"Sleep disturbances are a significant concern in individuals with dementia, affecting their overall health and quality of life, as well as that of their family members and caregivers.”

A new review was published on the cover of Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) Volume 16, Issue 21, titled, “Sleep deprivation in dementia comorbidities: focus on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety/depression and thyroid disorders.”

The review, authored by Upasana Mukherjee, Ujala Sehar, Malcolm Brownell, and P. Hemachandra Reddy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, compiles findings from recent studies on how sleep problems—such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and disrupted sleep cycles—can worsen dementia and accelerate cognitive decline. It also emphasizes the profound impact of these sleep disorders on caregivers, who often face burnout and emotional stress. 

Dementia is a condition that significantly impairs the ability to think, remember, and make decisions, making everyday life increasingly difficult to manage. Sleep problems are a major challenge for individuals with dementia, with more than half experiencing disturbed sleep. These disturbances include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or engaging in nighttime wandering.

Such issues go beyond causing fatigue—they accelerate memory loss, increase confusion, and raise the risk of behavioral symptoms like agitation. Addressing sleep challenges is critical to improving quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Caregivers, who often support loved ones around the clock, face significant stress when dealing with these sleep disorders.

“This situation creates a vicious cycle where caregiver distress exacerbates patient symptoms, further increasing the burden on caregivers.”

This review also explores how other illnesses, common in older adults with dementia, worsen sleep disturbances. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, heart disease, and anxiety disrupt sleep, and poor sleep then worsens both the dementia and the underlying illnesses. For instance, untreated sleep apnea can significantly accelerate cognitive decline in people with dementia.

To improve sleep for dementia patients, the authors recommend holistic approaches that address both sleep disturbances and related health conditions. Simple changes, such as establishing a regular bedtime routine, reducing nighttime noise, and encouraging daytime physical activity, can significantly enhance sleep quality.

Non-pharmacological treatments, including light therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, have also shown promise. Managing coexisting conditions such as diabetes or anxiety can help reduce the severity of sleep issues. The authors emphasize the need for more research into targeted, multidisciplinary approaches to effectively manage sleep disturbances, improve patient well-being, and reduce caregiver stress.

In conclusion, this review highlights the critical need for a more comprehensive approach to dementia care. Improving sleep could slow the progression of dementia, reduce caregiver stress, and enhance the quality of life for everyone involved. As dementia cases rise worldwide, addressing sleep issues will become an increasingly important aspect of care.