Dados do Trabalho

Título

THE RELEVANCE OF SLEEP IMPAIRMENT IN ALZHEIMER'S DEMENTIA

Introdução

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia present in the elderly population above 65 years old. Losses in sleep architecture, already present in elderly, are often found together with the disruptive behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia, sleep impairments can have a substantial impact on cognitive activity. Interference in the sleep-wake cycle, given by the fragmentation of sleep with nocturnal awakenings and consequent daytime sleepiness, suggest a deficit of cognitive functions and possible demential progression.

Objetivo

Evaluate presence of sleep impairments in Alzheimer's dementia.

Métodos

This is a retrospective analytical study with a quantitative and qualitative descriptive approach. It was conducted by applying a specific questionnaire based on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Stanford Sleepiness Scale and selected articles covering questions about sleep pattern in patients with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease retrospectively.

Resultados

The study analysis include 17 participants. The age range varies from 60 to 92 years, with mean of 79.88 years. Most patients had an average daily sleep time of 6 to 8 hours. 38.4% of those interviewed had symptoms of nocturnal psychomotor agitation, with frequent interruptions at night. Research data show the high prevalence of sleep-deprivation-related disorders, which affect approximately 41% of patients. As for the quality of sleep, only 35.2% of patients reported not having a peaceful and deep sleep all night. Of these, approximately 23.5% reported difficulties in initiating sleep, and around 29.4% of respondents reported having difficulty maintaining sleep for a satisfactory period of time. Of those who had sleep disorders, only 29.4% of this appeared in the past and 41%, appeared after the diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia. Regarding the relationship of disorders with Alzheimer's progression, 47% of patients had shown a worsening of sleep deprivation disorders after diagnosis.

Conclusões

This study evidences a probable involvement between sleep impairment, mainly sleep disruption, and the Alzheimer's dementia.

Palavras-chave

Alzheimer. Dementia. Sleep disturbance. Sleep impairment.