Do you or a loved one feel especially tired during the day or lack motivation to finish routine tasks? This could be more than just exhaustion. Recent research suggests that extreme daily sleepiness and a lack of excitement for activities may be an early warning indication of a dementia-related disease.
The study, published in the Neurology journal in 2024, suggests that this link, known as motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, might appear in people before any signs of dementia.
Here are all the details you need to know and see what the latest research tells us about this sleepiness-dementia link.
What is Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome, and why does it matter?
Motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome is a condition that experts believe could act as a warning sign of dementia. MCR patients often have a combination of memory difficulties and reduced walking speeds, but they do not have full-blown dementia or mobility limitations. This relatively small condition appears to be a link between early cognitive impairment and more severe dementia symptoms.
In a recent study, researchers looked at patients over the age of 76 who reported excessive daily sleepiness and lack of desire. They discovered that these individuals were much more likely to get MCR. Recognising MCR early on may be a very important step in slowing or even preventing the progression of dementia.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is a warning sign
One of the main indicators that researchers focused on was excessive daytime sleepiness, which can range from struggling to stay awake during meals or social gatherings to feeling persistently drowsy during the day. In the study, people who frequently experienced such sleepiness were over three times more likely to develop MCR compared to those who didn’t report these issues.
Though this study doesn’t claim that sleepiness directly causes MCR, it does show a strong association. This means that those who are consistently sleepy during the day might want to get their sleep patterns and cognitive health checked.
Loss of enthusiasm
In addition to drowsiness, the study found that a decreased desire to finish tasks was another warning sign. MCR was also more likely to develop in those who reported having trouble “keeping up enough enthusiasm to get things done.” Although age or other medical issues can occasionally be blamed for this lack of desire, this study found that it appeared to be a distinct factor associated with future cognitive deterioration.
If a person’s usual zest for life suddenly diminishes, it could signal more than just ageing. Noticing and addressing such changes early on could be essential for maintaining cognitive health in the long run.
Why sleep issues may influence cognitive decline
Although the study focuses on connection rather than causes, the link between lack of sleep and cognitive decline is not new. Poor sleep quality can reduce the brain’s capacity to repair itself, process information, and eliminate waste that accumulates throughout the day. Over time, these disorders may raise the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
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Should we be concerned?
The findings emphasise the need of identifying changes in sleep and energy levels as potential early warning signs of cognitive problems. While it is normal to feel sleepy or unmotivated sometimes, persistent trends, particularly in older persons, should be regarded seriously.
