A study published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has revealed a direct connection between chronic insomnia and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic analyzed data from over 2,750 cognitively healthy adults, averaging 70 years of age, over a period of more than five and a half years. The study found that those with chronic insomnia had a 40% higher risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment compared to those without the condition.
Key findings included a three-year acceleration of brain aging associated with chronic insomnia, as well as lower cognitive test scores among participants with the sleep disorder. Dr. Diego Z. Carvalho, lead study author and Mayo Clinic neurologist, highlighted the need for treating insomnia not only to improve sleep quality but also to protect brain health. The study also noted that individuals with the APOE ε4 gene, associated with higher Alzheimer’s risk, were more likely to experience significant cognitive decline due to insomnia.
However, the researchers emphasized that while the study establishes an association between insomnia and increased dementia risk, it does not prove causation. Additional limitations included a lack of objective data on sleep duration and treatment for conditions like sleep apnea. Experts such as Dr. Marc Siegel and Dr. Earnest Lee Murray agreed that chronic insomnia has long been linked to health concerns, but this study adds new insight into its potential impact on brain structure and cognitive decline. The study urges individuals with persistent insomnia to consult healthcare professionals for treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy or medications, while reinforcing the importance of good sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes.