Abstract
Aging is associated with cholinergic hypofunction and memory decline. Cholinergic activity also plays a crucial role in sleep-dependent memory consolidation. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChE-I) donepezil has been found to increase sleep-related procedural memory consolidation in healthy older adults in a previous study. Data of the former study were reanalyzed with regard to the effects of donepezil on the sleep EEG of healthy older adults. This analysis was conducted with a special focus on spectral parameters of sleep, which have previously been linked to plasticity-related processes during sleep, i.e., sigma and delta activity. Forty-two participants (aged: 60-77 years) received 5 mg of the AChE-I donepezil orally 30 min before bedtime in a placebo-controlled, double-blind design. Power values for EEG delta, theta, alpha1, alpha 2, sigma, beta and gamma frequency bands were calculated for stage 2 NREM sleep, SWS and REM sleep. In line with our hypotheses, the AChE-I donepezil led to an increase in sigma activity during stage 2 NREM sleep and delta activity during slow wave sleep. These results suggest that an AChE-I facilitates processes of sleep-dependent memory consolidation in older adults.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
