Ever felt that overwhelming urge to doze off, especially during that familiar 3 PM slump at work? You’re definitely not alone! It’s totally normal to feel exhausted at times, especially when life gets hectic or your sleep schedule isn’t on point. However, if you’re finding yourself consistently tired, it might be a sign that something deeper is going on with your health.
Recent research has highlighted that in older adults, persistent sleepiness may signal the onset of dementia. While it’s essential to mention that some level of fatigue is part of aging, this connection can feel a bit tricky. (Quick note: No need to freak out if your grandma loves her afternoon siestas – she deserves them! With age comes a lot of wear and tear that often requires some downtime.)
So, what does this study reveal, and why does it matter?
Expert Insight: Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Key Findings from the Study
This study published in Neurology utilized sleep trackers to monitor the patterns of 733 women in their 80s. Over five years, 164 of the participants developed mild cognitive impairment, evident as noticeable changes in memory and thinking skills, while 93 were diagnosed with dementia.
The researchers noted that women who experienced significant increases in daytime sleepiness, particularly those taking extra naps, were double the risk of developing dementia. They concluded that shifts in sleep patterns could be red flags or early indicators of dementia among older women.
Why Sleepiness Might Be Indicating Dementia
The exact reasons remain somewhat mysterious. As Dr. Segil mentions, asking two neurologists the same question might yield different explanations; the purpose of sleep is still not entirely understood.
Nonetheless, it is suggested that sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation (the process where short-term memories turn into long-term ones) and overall health. “Quality sleep is crucial for octogenarians—it’s even more beneficial than just catching up with daytime naps,” warns Dr. Segil.
Additionally, he remarks that inadequate sleep is linked to difficulties in memory consolidation in younger individuals, which likely worsens with age. Poor sleep can mess with one’s memory retrieval, potentially leaving elderly patients at a disadvantage. Therefore, continual sleep disturbances can result in memory issues.
Could tiredness point to other health concerns?
Absolutely! Ongoing fatigue may stem from numerous health concerns. “Daytime sleepiness is often related to a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea, which primarily presents with extreme sleepiness or non-restorative sleep,” notes Dr. Segil.
Conditions such as narcolepsy, anemia, depression, along with specific nutritional deficits, can also lead to daytime drowsiness, which highlights the importance of seeking a medical assessment.
Recognizing Other Common Dementia Signs
If you’re on the lookout for potential early signs of dementia, here are the most prevalent symptoms as indicated by the National Institute on Aging (NIA):
- Forgetfulness, poor judgment, and confusion
- Difficulty in speaking, understanding or conveying thoughts
- Getting lost even in familiar surroundings
- Trouble managing finances and paying bills
- Frequently repeating questions
- Using unusual terms for familiar objects
- Taking extra time to finish regular daily tasks
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Experiencing hallucinations or delusions
- Acting without thinking
- Showing indifference towards others’ feelings
- Problems with balance and movement
If either you or someone you care about is facing persistent daytime sleepiness, reaching out to a healthcare provider is wise. Understanding the root cause of this symptom requires evaluation—it’s better to be proactive about health!
