The number of Alzheimer’s patients in Poland and in the world is growing rapidly. In our country, as many as half a million people suffer from dementia, and it will be worse – WHO estimates that within 32 years the number of patients worldwide will triple. Lack of or too little rest plays a large role in the development of dementia. So how to ensure a good, regenerative sleep? What symptoms should worry us and our loved ones?
According to recent research by neuroscientists at the University of Wisconsis-Madison, the sleep deprived brain may be more prone to age-related diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Memory problems build up when the brain is not resting. One sleepless night is enough to increase the risk of disease.
A low dose and poor quality of sleep reduce the regenerative capacity of not only the brain, but the entire body. Resting allows you to process memories and organize them. During these processes, the cerebrospinal fluid cleans the brain of unnecessary proteins, which build up to build up deposits and interfere with the proper functioning of the brain. Scientists compare this mechanism to the operation of … a dishwasher.
It was also observed that even in younger people, sleep disturbances had a negative impact on the proper functioning of the brain. That is why it is so important to ensure good sleep quality at all ages. How to do it, advises Iwona Przybyło, an experienced nurse working at the Carers’ Academy (the facility deals with, among others, professional training of carers of the elderly).
1. At least two hours before falling asleep, do not expose yourself to the harmful effects of blue light, that is, do not use a TV, telephone or computer. It interferes with the production of melatonin, which in turn regulates the circadian rhythm.
2. Sleep should last at least 7-8 hours and it is important that it is uninterrupted.
3. Let’s take care of the right air temperature in the bedroom (about 18 degrees Celsius) and go to sleep at the same time.
4. The mattress on which we rest should be properly selected, and the underwear is airy and made of natural fabrics.
5. Falling asleep will be facilitated by dim light that will help you to rest.
6. Small evening rituals, such as a relaxing bath, are also important.
Sleep disturbance in an elderly person can alert you to dementia
Sleep problems may indicate that your body is struggling with a neurodegenerative disease. We should be especially alert to such symptoms in the elderly. If we observe problems with sleep or difficulty falling asleep, or frequently waking up at night, we should always consult a specialist.
We don’t know if the disease causes sleep disorders or the other way around, but we do know for sure that poor sleep reduces the regenerative capacity of the brain and thus accelerates negative symptoms. – That is why we should react as soon as possible – says Iwona Przybyło. – Alzheimer’s disease manifests itself in many ways, including memory and gait disturbances, muscle stiffness, hallucinations, and communication problems. We should be alarmed, for example, by asking the same question several times, forgetting about arrangements or repeating the same sentences. An accurate diagnosis can slow down and ease the progression of the disease. Caregivers are often unaware of what symptoms should worry them, as the onset of the disease is often largely unnoticed. Therefore, the sooner the person reacts to the first symptoms, the easier it is to provide the patient with appropriate care, which in turn will help the resident enjoy health longer and make life easier for the caregivers. And the health and comfort of caregivers should also be taken care of, because unfortunately it is often forgotten – adds Iwona Przybyło.
The number of Alzheimer’s patients in Poland and in the world is growing rapidly. This is largely due to the aging of the population. After the age of 65, the risk of contracting the disease doubles for every five years. Scientists are looking with hope at the results of research regarding the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease. They give hope to find an important element that will help stop the progression of the disease and find an effective drug. Or maybe prevention plays the first fiddle here?
The Academy of Carers supports carers of the elderly in developing competences and skills, and also works to increase social awareness in the field of gerontology, with particular emphasis on dementia. Its mission is to provide people who care for the elderly with specialist knowledge in an accessible and practical form. For this purpose, we create proprietary activation programs for people living with dementia, we train and advise. We believe that thanks to a better understanding of the aging processes combined with practical skills useful in everyday work, the caregiver will not only be better at performing everyday duties, but will also be better fulfilled in this job.