Sleep quality, neurocognitive performance, and memory self-appraisal in middle-aged and older adults with memory complaints

Abstract

Objective: Because of inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive function in people with age-related memory complaints, we examined how self-reports of sleep quality were related to multiple domains of both objective and subjective cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. Design: A cross-sectional study involving analysis of baseline data, collected as part of a clinical trial. Measurements: Two hundred and three participants (mean age = 60.4 [6.5] years, 69.0% female) with mild memory complaints were asked to rate their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and their memory performance using the Memory Functioning Questionnaire (MFQ), which measures self-awareness of memory ability. Neurocognitive performance was evaluated using the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Trail Making Test, Buschke Selective Reminding Test, and the Brief Visuospatial Test – Revised (BVMT-R). Results: Total PSQI scores were significantly associated with objective measures of sustained attention (CPT hit reaction time by block and standard error by block) and subjective memory loss (MFQ frequency and seriousness of forgetting). The PSQI components of (poorer) sleep quality and (greater) sleep disturbance were related to (worse) sustained attention scores while increased sleep latency and daytime sleepiness were associated with greater frequency and seriousness of forgetting. Conclusions: Sleep quality is related to both objective measures of sustained attention and self-awareness of memory decline. These findings suggest that interventions for improving sleep quality may contribute not only to improving the ability to focus on a particular task but also in reducing memory complaints in middle-aged and older adults.

Temporal dynamics of depression, cognitive performance and sleep in older persons with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairments: a series of eight single-subject studies

“…Sleep problems are common in late-life depression as well as cognitive impairments (Bao et al, 2017;Hu et al, 2017;Siddarth et al, 2020), and sleep quality and quantity show high day-to-day variability (Knutson et al, 2007;Dillon et al, 2015). It is therefore likely that sleep plays a role in the daily fluctuations of depression as well as cognitive performance.…”

Future directions for sleep and cognition research in at-risk older adults

“…Future directions for sleep and cognition research in at-risk older adults Siddarth et al (2020)'s paper added new findings to the evidence on relationship between sleep and cognitive function. In their paper, poor sustained attention was strongly associated with self-reported sleep quality measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; Buysse et al, 1989) among middle-aged and older adults with mild subjective memory complaints.…”

“…Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia [CBT-I]) that have been shown to improve sleep quality (Qaseem et al, 2016). Siddarth et al (2020)'s paper extended the evidence on the importance of role of sleep on cognition to more broad groups of older adults from those who already had clinically significant cognitive impairments. The special issue (Volume 32, Issue 7) published in July 2020 in the International Psychogeriatrics discussed sleep and sleep disorders among different groups of older adults.…”

“…The Siddarth et al (2020) paper also implies the critical need of special attentions to vulnerable groups, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, people are encouraged or required by local ordinances to socially isolate and not to leave their homes as much as possible, or when they do leave their homes to practice social distancing and always wear masks.…”

The Mediation Role of Sleep Quality in the Relationship Between Cognitive Decline and Depression

“…Approximately half of older people report sleep disturbances, which are associated with various health conditions. Speci cally, components of poorer sleep quality and greater sleep disturbance were related to worse sustained attention scores, while increased sleep latency and daytime sleepiness were associated with greater frequency and seriousness of forgetting 10 . Night sleep disturbances (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.17-3.25) and daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.16-3.20) were also associated with depression 11 .…”