Feeling sleepy during daylight 'early warning for dementia'

SLEEPINESS during the day could be an early warning sign of dementia, a study has suggested.

- Stephen Beech

It found older people who feel tired in daylight hours or lack enthusiasm for getting things done may be more likely to develop a syndrome that can lead to the debilitating condition.

But scientists say screening patients for sleep issues and helping them get a better night's rest could stop them going on to develop dementia.

People with motoric cognitive risk syndrome experience some memory issues and have a slow walking speed, even though they do not have a mobility disability.

Activities

The study found people prone to daytime tiredness and a lack of enthusiasm for activities are three times more likely to develop the syndrome than people who do not experience the sleep-related issues.