Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Waking up to the truth: Associations between sleep disorders and multidomain functional outcomes in Alzheimer's
Chao Tang1, Jiaxin Yan1, Yi Chen1
1Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China.
Introduction:
Sleep disorders are common in older adults and have been increasingly linked to cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, their associations with functional outcomes and underlying pathways remain insufficiently characterized.
Methods:
We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 10,823 participants from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database, examining associations between sleep disorders and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) using regression, structural equation modeling (SEM), and mediation analyses.
Results:
Sleep disorders were significantly associated with greater cognitive impairment and poorer IADL performance among individuals with AD. Mediation analysis indicated that cognitive impairment accounted for ≈62% of the association between sleep disorders and IADL difficulties, suggesting a substantial indirect association through cognitive function.
Discussion:
Sleep disorders are strongly associated with cognitive impairment and functional limitations in AD. These findings highlight the potential clinical value of screening and managing sleep problems as part of comprehensive care strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...

