Sleeping 6 Hours or Much less When Being Youthful Will increase Your Danger of Dementia – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Jean Royse’s 89-year-old mother suffers from dementia. She has trouble thinking and remembering.

As a younger woman, sleep was not a priority.

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“She was a very busy woman. She raised six children, ”said Royse. “She was never in bed when we were. You’re up early to take care of everyone. “

It turns out how much sleep people get when they are younger could affect how well the brain works when they are older.

“It’s one of those areas where we talk about understanding some of the changeable risk factors. Think about diet, nutrition, and general physical health. Sleep is a huge part of our overall lifestyle, ”said Sara Murphy of the Alzheimer’s Association.

British researchers followed 8,000 people for 25 years from the age of 50.

“Because it was so long and a relatively large study, there is pretty good evidence that you need to focus on sleep,” said Dr. Dan Shade, sleep specialist at Allegheny Health Network.

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Compared to those who slept seven hours a night, people with dementia in their 70s were 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

“One thing sleep does is strengthen memories. It also cuts out memories you don’t need to know, ”said Dr. Shade. “When you don’t get enough sleep, you are depositing proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. And we think these proteins are not cleared up. “

Whether shortened sleep is an early symptom of dementia or whether it leads to the problem remains to be clarified.

“Sleep deprivation can be a risk factor,” said Dr. Shade. “There are many risk factors for dementia, this would only be a small piece of the puzzle.

Royse does her best to get enough rest but admits it is difficult.

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While no one can say that lack of sleep contributed to her mother’s dementia, Roy’s busy days remind her of her mother.