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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A new study suggests that a noticeable increase in daytime sleepiness among individuals in their 80s may be a significant indicator of heightened dementia risk. The research, led by Yue Leng, Ph.D., and Sasha Milton, tracked the sleep patterns of 733 older women over a five-year period, revealing a potential link between evolving sleep habits and the development of dementia.
The participants, with an average age of 83 and normal cognitive function at the study’s outset, were monitored using wrist devices that recorded their movements and sleep durations. After five years, 13% of the participants had developed dementia. Notably, the researchers observed varying sleep patterns among the participants.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, categorized participants into three groups: those with stable sleep patterns, those with declining nighttime sleep, and those with increasing daytime sleepiness. The results showed that 25 participants (8%) maintained stable sleep patterns, 39 (15%) experienced declining nighttime sleep, and 29 (19%) reported increasing daytime sleepiness.
After accounting for factors such as age, education, diabetes, and hypertension, the researchers found that those with increasing daytime sleepiness had double the risk of developing dementia compared to those with stable sleep patterns.
This research contributes to a growing body of evidence linking sleep disturbances to dementia risk. Recent studies conducted by UCSF have also indicated that poor sleep quality in midlife, delayed dream phase, and extended napping are associated with a higher likelihood of developing dementia.
However, the study’s authors emphasize that the causal relationship between sleep changes and dementia remains unclear. “It is not yet known if worsening sleep increases the risk of dementia, or if dementia leads to worsening sleep,” said Dr. Leng. “It is possible that both theories are correct.”
This study is significant as it is one of the first to examine how sleep patterns change over time and their relationship to dementia risk. Further research is necessary to fully understand the complex interaction between sleep and cognitive health in older adults.
More information: Neurology (2025). www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.000000000213403
Disclaimer: This article is based on the findings of a single study and should not be interpreted as definitive medical advice. The study focused on older female participants, and the results may not be generalizable to other populations. The relationship between sleep changes and dementia is complex and requires further investigation. Individuals concerned about their sleep patterns or dementia risk should consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
