Poor Sleep and Dementia: The Missing Link
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The latest statistics show that there are over 44.4 million people suffering dementia worldwide. Experts say that this figure will continue to rise to approximately 75.6 million in 2030 and 135.5 million in 2050. They forecast that the growing number is more likely to come from developing countries. Sixtytwo percent of people suffering dementia live in developing counties, but by 2050, the number will increase to an estimated 71%. The Staggering Dementia Statistics in the United States The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. In the United States, there are more than 5 million Americans suffering the condition. Statistics show that one in every nine people over the age of 65 has the disease. Of the 5 million people sufferers aged 65 and older, 1.8 million are men, while 3.2 million are women. The number of Americans suffering from the disease and other types of dementia is expected to rapidly increase as the baby boomer generation ages.
Because of these alarming figures, many medical organizations are investing in the development of medical breakthroughs to find a solution to the disease. While it is known that the degeneration of nerve cells, excessive alcohol or drug use, and nutritional deficiencies are the most common causes of dementia, recent research suggests that poor quality sleep could also lead to the condition as it causes significant changes in the brain.
Poor Sleep Increases Risk of Dementia Research findings reveal that sleep disturbances could cause brain changes that may lead to dementia later in life. Scientists observed 167 JapaneseAmerican men ranging in age from 85 upwards. The experts monitored sleeping patterns for six years.
They discovered that lower blood oxygen levels at night, caused by sleep disruptions, caused critical brain changes in participants. The participants with the lowest levels of blood oxygen were four times more prone to brain defects than men who had higher levels. Those who had less deep sleep were also more prone to lost brain cells. The results had researchers concluding that low blood oxygen levels and decreased slow wave sleep may bring about failure in mental processes and dementia.
Aging and Sleep Probalems
Further studies confirm the research. Some experts conducted lab tests on mice, discovering that species that were sleep deprived showed more plaques and tangles in the brain, which were signs of memory problems or dementia.
Sleep problems are common in aging people and dementia patients. Sleep apnea and snoring are the most common sleep problems they encounter. Experts say it is important for aged care professionals and family members to promote dementia-friendly environments for their loved ones suffering the disease. Dementia patients need specially designed beds and high quality mattresses. Mattresses should be firm and fireretardant; covers must be waterproof. The simple lack of quality sleep could have critical brain changes that may lead to dementia. It is important for families to provide support for their aging relatives and promote an environment conducive for restful sleep.
RESOURCES:
http://sleepwarehouse.com/natural-latex-mattress-topper/ http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp http://www.alz.org/advocacy/global-efforts.asp http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286799.php