A recently published study titled “Poor Sleep Quality, Dementia Status, and Their Association with All-Cause Mortality Among Older US Adults” features in Volume 16, Issue 17 of the journal Aging, also known under the names “Aging (Albany NY)” and “Aging-US” in indexing databases such as MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science, respectively. The publication date of this paper is September 4, 2024.
This research highlights a compelling link between sleep quality and cognitive health, specifically dementia, and their collective impact on mortality rates among older adults in the United States. The study brings to light the critical public health issue of poor sleep quality and limited sleep duration, especially among the elderly. These sleep issues are closely associated with an array of cardiometabolic risks, including obesity, a growing concern given that nearly one-fifth of the adult population suffers from health complications related to inadequate or poor-quality sleep.
The study is the collaborative effort of an esteemed group of researchers: May A. Beydoun, Rio Tate, Michael F. Georgescu, Alyssa A. Gamaldo, Christian A. Maino Vieytes, Hind A. Beydoun, Nicole Noren Hooten, Michele K. Evans, and Alan B. Zonderman. These individuals hail from prestigious institutions such as the National Institute on Aging, Clemson University, the VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, and the University of Texas Health Science Center.
In their detailed examination, the researchers investigated the potential influence of poor sleep quality on the interplay between dementia and the risk of mortality in older adults and whether these relationships vary depending on gender and race. The study’s methodology involved thoroughly analysing demographic data, health histories, and lifestyle choices to accurately assess the broader implications of sleep and cognitive health on longevity.
One of the key findings of this research is that poor sleep quality is directly correlated with an increased risk of mortality. This relationship holds even after adjusting for various lifestyle and health-related factors. Interestingly, the study also revealed that dementia increases mortality risk more significantly among individuals who otherwise report better sleep quality. This increase was notably pronounced among male participants and older White adults.
The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that interventions aimed at improving sleep quality could potentially mitigate the health risks associated with dementia, thereby extending life expectancy. This research adds a crucial layer of understanding to the complex interactions between sleep, cognitive function, and mortality, underscoring the potential for positive change and the need for comprehensive strategies to address these issues within the public health domain.
By providing these insights, the study not only contributes to the scientific literature but also serves as a call to action for healthcare providers, policymakers, and caregivers. The findings underscore the importance of prioritising sleep quality improvement as an integral part of the healthcare regimen for older adults, particularly those at risk of or currently dealing with dementia. This could ultimately lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in mortality rates among this vulnerable population group.
More information: May A. Beydoun et al, Poor sleep quality, dementia status and their association with all-cause mortality among older US adults, Aging-US. DOI: 10.18632/aging.206102
Journal information: Aging-US Provided by Impact Journals LLC
