Dementia has been the leading cause of death in Britain for the last 10 years, and the number of deaths is only increasing – but a new study has found a surprising symptom
Experts have raised the alarm on a subtle sign that goes largely unnoticed in many elderly people, potentially indicating dementia – a condition that has tragically topped the UK’s cause of death charts over the past decade.
The recent surge in deaths related to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is causing widespread concern, with figures from last year indicating a staggering 65,967 fatalities – 5,000 more than the previous year. Alarmingly, by 2040, this number could even quadruple.
Dementia risk might be higher in older adults suffering from inexplicable daytime fatigue, according to groundbreaking research uncovering this association. Dr Victoire Leroy of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine highlighted the urgency of the matter, saying: “Our findings emphasise the need for screening for sleep issues. There’s potential that people could get help with their sleep issues and prevent cognitive decline later in life.”
This sleepiness can be linked to the motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, a precursor to dementia characterized by slow walking speed and memory lapses, though not necessarily mobility impairments or an existing dementia diagnosis.
Though MCR syndrome hasn’t been on the medical community’s radar for long, it’s now believed to double the chances of developing dementia later in life. Details of the new study include participation from 445 senior individuals devoid of dementia, residing in community living environments, whose sleep patterns and memory were scrutinized leading to the diagnosis of MCR syndrome in 36 cases, reports the Express.
The study showed that “poor sleepers”, specifically 39 per cent of them, faced a higher risk of developing MCR syndrome compared to those who slept well. Moreover, those battling excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm due to tiredness were three times more susceptible to MCR.
Worse sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, and increased daytime sleepiness also heightened the likelihood of getting the syndrome. Dr Leroy pointed out: “More research needs to be done to examine the relationship between sleep issues and cognitive decline and the role played by motoric cognitive risk syndrome.”
He added: “We also need studies to explain the mechanisms that link these sleep disturbances to motoric cognitive risk syndrome and cognitive decline.” It’s worth noting, the study didn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect link but identified a correlation in terms of risk between poor sleep and MCR, which can lead to dementia.
