Sleep disturbances among a group of dementia participants

AimDementia patients are found to have more sleep disturbances that can affect their quality of life and functional and cognitive abilities, and these disturbances are associated with greater risk of psychiatric symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of sleep disturbances among a group of moderately patients with dementia and their effects on the development of depression, apathy, daytime sleepiness, apathy, and caregiver stress.MethodBaseline demographic data were collected in 105 participants with a mean age of 79 years. Sleep disturbance was measured by Sleep Disorder Inventory (SDI). The Epworth Sleep scale (ESS) was used to measure excessive daytime sleepiness, while the Cornell Depression score (CDS) was used to measure for the presence of depressive symptoms. The Starkstein Apathy scale was used for assessment of apathy on sleep and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was used to evaluate carer stress. We found that patients on hypnotics generally have a higher SDI (4.7 vs, 1.48, p = 0.021) and higher CDS (9.3 vs. 4.9, p = 0.033). There was no statistical significant difference in different cholinesterase inhibitors on SDI, ESS, CDS, apathy score, and carer stress. SDI was positively correlated with ESS, CDS, and ZBI, but not related to the MMSE score and apathy. Linear regression found that ESS, CDS, and ZBI were independently associated with SDI.ConclusionSleep problems in dementia patients are associated with carer stress, excessive daytime sleepiness, and depression using simple objective assessment instruments. This study helps to provide insights into sleep disturbances in dementia patients and highlights the importance of this frequently missed aspect in the care of dementia patients and their caregivers.