Daytime sleepiness can be an early symptom of dementia

Sleep changes can be indicative of changes in the brain. According to a study, long afternoon naps can be an early symptom of dementia.

A long, long lunch break is a part of everyday life for many seniors. However, very long daytime naps not only increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time, daytime sleepiness or prolonged sleep during the day can be an early symptom, which may indicate dementia.

This is evidenced by the results of the study, as revealed by 24vita.de.

Who in the trade magazine Alzheimer’s disease and dementia The published study followed 1,400 participants with an average age of 81 over 14 years at Harvard Medical School and the University of California, San Francisco. At the start of the study, 76 percent of participants had no cognitive disorders, 20 percent had mild disorders, and 4 percent had Alzheimer’s disease. Twenty-four percent of participants who did not initially have intellectual disabilities developed Alzheimer’s disease six years later. The researchers found a difference in sleep patterns compared to participants who did not have Alzheimer’s disease.

This article contains only general information on the relevant health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It does not in any way replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical images.