Sleep disorders: First warning signs for dementia decades before!
Sleep disorders: First warning signs for dementia decades before!
Disruptions in sleep can be an early warning signal for dementia. A current investigation shows that these problems may be able to indicate the disease many years before an official diagnosis. The increase in dementia diseases in Germany is alarming: around 1.8 million people are currently affected. With these numbers, it is important to pay attention to early signs that can occur many years before a definitive diagnosis. The typical symptoms include confusion, memory loss and difficulties in everyday life.
A particularly worrying discovery concerns the REM sleep behavioral disorder (RBD). A Canadian study has found that people with this disorder have an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases by 80 to 100 percent. Rem sleep, which is about a quarter of our sleep, is characterized by quick eye movements and usually a sagging muscles. In the case of RBD, however, those affected can carry out physical actions during sleep, which are often aggressive.
The role of REM sleep
Boston University researchers have also found that shortened REM sleep phases can increase the risk of dementia. Lack of sleep disturbs the natural regeneration processes in the brain, which are responsible for the removal of harmful substances. A study shows that people who sleep an average of seven hours a night have a lower dementia rate. In contrast, the risk of dementia increases by up to 30 percent when you are shorter.The causes of REM-sleep behavioral disorders can be varied. This also includes disorders such as dementia from the Lewy body type, which are closely associated with cognitive and motor symptoms. These are often recognizable a year before motor symptoms, such as slow movement or tremors, occur in peace. If RBD is suspected, neurologists who specialize in sleep disorders are the right contacts.
Important information on RBD
The diagnosis of REM-sleep behavioral disorders is often carried out by special questionnaires that tap the sleeping behavior. However, a clear diagnosis can only be made by polysomnography in the sleep laboratory. This method includes video recording during sleep to observe the exact processes. Affected people who notice symptoms such as changes in dreaming activity or smell disorders should obtain medical advice promptly.
Currently there is no approved drug for treating this disorder. However, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Oertel from the Clinic for Neurology at the Philipps University Marburg on the problem and offers support. People who suspect to suffer from RBD can carry out a special test based on a questionnaire. If at least five "yes" answers are given in this questionnaire, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the connection between sleep and the risk of dementia has not yet been fully clarified. Nevertheless, it turns out that sufficient sleep and a healthy diet, especially the consumption of fruit, can play a crucial role in preserving brain health. Early detection and understanding of the symptoms are essential in order to be able to offer help those affected in good time. This is all the more important at a time when the number of dementia diseases increases steadily. Information about RBD and assistance can be obtained from the REM sleep behavior disorder e.V., Philipps University Marburg to better understand your own symptomsFor further information see: Fuldaer Zeitung , Deutsche Alzheimer Society , Additional information .
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