Sleepy during the day? It could be an early warning sign of dementia, study suggests

Feeling sleepy during the day could be a sign of a more serious issue, especially for older individuals. A recent study linked daytime sleepiness in older people to a higher risk of developing a condition called motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), which can lead to walking difficulties and memory problems before dementia sets in. The study, conducted by Albert Einstein College of Medicine, found that lack of enthusiasm and daytime sleepiness were associated with a higher likelihood of developing MCR. Screening for sleep issues and getting help early on could potentially prevent cognitive decline later in life. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between sleep problems and cognitive decline. Sleep health may play a crucial role in reducing the risk of dementia, so it’s important to screen for and diagnose sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea.