New Dementia Warning Sign Discovered by Science
If you’ve ever experienced extreme sleepiness, to the point where you feel like you might doze off while standing or sitting at your desk during the afternoon slump, you’re not alone. It’s common to feel exhausted at times, particularly when life is hectic or when sleep habits have been neglected. However, persistent tiredness could indicate a potential health issue.
Recent research has revealed that in older adults, excessive sleepiness may serve as a warning sign for dementia. While it’s normal to feel fatigued as you age, these findings emphasize the importance of monitoring changes in sleep patterns. The study, published in the journal Neurology, tracked the sleep habits of 733 women in their 80s using sleep trackers. Over a five-year period, 164 women developed mild cognitive impairment, while 93 were diagnosed with dementia. The researchers observed that individuals who experienced significant increases in sleepiness over time, along with excessive napping, were twice as likely to develop dementia. This suggests that alterations in sleep patterns could be an early indicator or risk factor for dementia in older women.
The exact connection between sleepiness and dementia remains unclear, as sleep’s role in memory consolidation and overall health is complex. Neurologist Clifford Segil, DO, from Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, explains that sleep is crucial for memory formation and maintaining good health, especially for elderly individuals. Poor sleep quality can impact memory consolidation and retrieval, potentially worsening cognitive function with age.
Consistent tiredness can also be attributed to various health conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, anemia, depression, or certain vitamin deficiencies. Therefore, it’s essential to address ongoing fatigue and seek medical evaluation to rule out underlying health issues.
In addition to sleepiness, there are other common signs and symptoms of dementia to watch for, including memory loss, judgment impairment, confusion, speech difficulties, disorientation, financial management challenges, repetitive behavior, and language issues. If you or a loved one are experiencing concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper assessment and management.
Consider referencing familiar objectsTaking longer than usual to complete everyday tasksShowing disinterest in typical daily activitiesExperiencing hallucinations, delusions, or paranoiaBehaving impulsivelyExhibiting a lack of empathyExperiencing balance issues and difficulties with movementIf you or someone you care about is experiencing persistent daytime sleepiness, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. There could be numerous underlying reasons for this symptom, and a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine the cause.
