Correlation of insomnia on cognitive functions in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSleep disturbances as well as cognitive dysfunction are s relatively common and disturbing phenomena in menopause. Little is known however how much cognitive and sleep dysfunctions overlap and influence each other in the population of women transitioning through the menopause.Method300, employed women aged 44‐66 were divided into 2 groups according to STRAW criteria: perimenopausal and postmenopausal group. Cognitive functions were assessed by CNS Vital Signs in the following domains: Complex Memory, Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Psychomotor Speed, Reaction Time, Complex Attention, Cognitive Flexibility, Processing Speed, Executive Function, Simple Attention and Motor Speed. Neurocognitive Index (NCI) is automatically calculated based on: memory, psychomotor speed, reaction time, attention, and cognitive flexibility. Athens Insomnia Scale (8‐item scale, 0‐24 score range) was used to assess insomnia. The t‐test for two means in independent samples was used to compare and Pearson’s correlation coefficient r to correlate theseverity of insomnia and level of cognitive functions. The significance level was assumed at 0.05.ResultThe mean severity of insomnia in the total group of women in the study was 6.70±4.66, which indicates the border of normal range on average. Insomnia was present in 54 (18.00%) of women (Tab. 1). The examined postmenopausal women obtained a significant lower reaction time (87 scores, on average) than those perimenopausal (91 scores, on average) (Tab. 1). Severity of insomnia negatively correlated with the following cognitive functions: complex and visual memories and simple attention in the total group, i.e. the greater the severity of insomnia, the worse the complex and visual memories, and simple attention. Also, a negative correlation was foung between severity of insomnia and simple attention in perimenopausal but not postmenopausal women (Table 2).ConclusionThe more severe insomnia the worse complex memory, visual memory, and simple attention. In premenopausal group, insomnia corresponded in worsening in simple attention. The results obtained indicate the need for further studies in the area of modulation of the effect of insomnia on cognitive functions in peri‐ and postmenopausal women. This may be important for prophylaxis and treatment of cognitive disorders during perimenopausal transition.