Abstract
It is becoming increasingly apparent that sleep plays an important role in the maintenance, disease prevention, repair, and restoration of both mind and body. The sleep and wake cycles are controlled by the pacemaker activity of the superchiasmic nucleus in the hypothalamus but can be disrupted by diseases of the nervous system causing disordered sleep. A lack of sleep has been associated with an increase in all-cause mortality. Likewise, sleep disturbances and sleep disorders may disrupt neuronal pathways and have an impact on neurological diseases. Sleep deprivation studies in normal subjects demonstrate that a lack of sleep can cause attention and working memory impairment. Moreover, untreated sleep disturbances and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoe (OSA) can also lead to cognitive impairment. Poor sleep and sleep disorders may present a significant risk factor for the development of dementia. In this review, the underlying mechanisms and the role of sleep and sleep disorders in the development of neurocognitive disorders [dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)] and how the presence of sleep disorders could direct the process of diagnosis and management of neurocognitive disorders will be discussed.
Highlights
The worldwide prevalence of neurocognitive disorders [dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)] is increasing
Our studies have shown that sleep duration is associated with an increase in all-cause mortality [3]
In a recent study, looking at 3,968 male and 4,821 female white participants, aged 50 years and over, from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), we demonstrated that the relationship between sleep and cognition may vary with age
Summary
The worldwide prevalence of neurocognitive disorders [dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)] is increasing. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder in which there is a progressive decline in cognitive function. It is the most common cause of dementia. In 2010, the worldwide prevalence of AD was estimated to be 35.6 million [1]. While the worldwide prevalence for those aged 60 or above is estimated between 5 and 7%, a higher prevalence in Latin America (8.5%) and a distinctively lower prevalence in the four sub-Saharan African regions (2–4%) are reported. The relationship between sleep and cognitive function and the role sleep and sleep disorders may have in the prevention, development, and treatment of neurocognitive disorders. Sleep and neurocognitive disorders will be considered. Underlying mechanisms are briefly examined along with the public health importance
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
