A recent study published in the November 6, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the esteemed medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that older adults experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or diminished enthusiasm for daily activities may face an increased risk of developing a condition that can potentially lead to dementia.
Individuals affected by this syndrome exhibit a notably slow walking speed and report memory-related concerns, even though they do not exhibit overt mobility disabilities or dementia at the time. This condition, known as motoric cognitive risk syndrome, has the potential to manifest prior to the onset of dementia, serving as an early warning sign.
“Our findings emphasize the critical importance of screening for sleep-related issues,” stated study author Victoire Leroy, MD, PhD, from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, located in the Bronx, New York. “Addressing sleep problems could provide a pathway for individuals to receive assistance, potentially thwarting cognitive decline in later stages of life.”
The study surveyed 445 participants, with a mean age of 76, all of whom had no dementia diagnosis at the outset. Initially, participants completed questionnaires focused on their sleep patterns. In addition to evaluating their memory concerns, their walking speed was assessed on a treadmill both at the beginning of the study and annually over an average follow-up period of three years.
The sleep assessment included questions addressing the frequency of nighttime awakenings, difficulties in falling asleep within a 30-minute timeframe, discomfort due to temperature fluctuations, and reliance on medications for sleep troubles. To evaluate excessive daytime sleepiness, participants were asked how often they struggled to stay awake during activities such as driving, eating, or social interactions. Moreover, individuals were prompted to express how often they found it challenging to maintain sufficient enthusiasm for carrying out daily tasks.
A total of 177 participants were classified as poor sleepers, while 268 were identified as good sleepers based on their responses.
At the beginning of the study, 42 individuals were already diagnosed with motoric cognitive risk syndrome, while an additional 36 participants developed the syndrome during the study period.
“Further research is necessary to delve deeper into the relationship between sleep difficulties and cognitive decline, as well as to elucidate the role of motoric cognitive risk syndrome,” Leroy elaborated. “We require studies that will clarify the mechanisms linking sleep disturbances with the development of motoric cognitive risk syndrome and subsequent cognitive decline.”
However, a limitation of this study is that it relied on participants self-reporting their sleep information, which raises questions about the accuracy of their recollections.
This important research was supported by the National Institute on Aging, underscoring its significance in understanding the intricate connections between sleep, mobility, and cognitive health in the aging population.
**Interview with Dr. Victoire Leroy on Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome and its Implications for Dementia**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Leroy! Thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent research on Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome and its link to dementia risk in older adults.
**Dr. Leroy:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share our findings.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. Your study highlights that older adults experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or diminished enthusiasm might be at greater risk for dementia. Can you explain how these symptoms are connected to Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome?
**Dr. Leroy:** Absolutely. Our research indicates that excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of motivation can be early indicators of motoric cognitive risk syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by slow walking speed and memory concerns, even in the absence of overt mobility issues or a dementia diagnosis. Essentially, these symptoms can serve as early warning signs, allowing for earlier interventions.
**Host:** That is fascinating. In your study, you mention a group of participants with an average age of 76. What methods did you employ to assess their risk, and what were your main findings?
**Dr. Leroy:** We surveyed 445 participants, all of whom had no dementia diagnosis at the start of the study. They completed questionnaires about their sleep patterns and provided information regarding any memory concerns. Additionally, we assessed their walking speed on a treadmill both initially and annually. Our findings reinforced that those presenting with the discussed sleep issues had a significant higher risk of developing cognitive decline over time.
**Host:** What solutions do you propose based on your findings, particularly regarding sleep-related issues?
**Dr. Leroy:** Our findings underline the critical need for screening for sleep-related problems in older adults. Addressing sleep disorders or enhancing the quality of sleep may be a promising pathway to assist individuals before they experience significant cognitive decline. Early intervention may not only improve their quality of life but also potentially mitigate the onset of dementia.
**Host:** That’s very insightful, Dr. Leroy. As a closing thought, what advice would you offer to family members of older adults who might exhibit these symptoms?
**Dr. Leroy:** I would encourage family members to stay observant about changes in sleep patterns and enthusiasm in their loved ones. Open communication about these changes is vital, as it can prompt discussions with healthcare providers for appropriate screenings and interventions. Remember, early detection is key in addressing any potential cognitive issues.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Leroy, for your valuable insights today. This research is indeed essential for understanding the risks associated with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome and dementia.
**Dr. Leroy:** Thank you for having me! It’s important to spread awareness about this condition and its implications for older adults.