As part of an osteoporosis study, Columbia University researchers tracked sleep patterns and cognitive function in women over the age of 65. Cognitive decline tended to coincide with sleep disturbance. But which causes which? Too soon to say.
These were healthy women living in the community. Most similar research on sleep disorders and dementia has focused on nursing-home populations
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Patient Education Materials
Only future research will tell whether sleep loss causes cognitive loss, or vice versa. Meanwhile, what information can you offer patients about strategies to avoid cognitive decline?
Alternative-Complementary Medicine
Patients concerned about their mental function may want to know about herbal remedies for insomnia.
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama
