Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People and its Influence on Cognitive Performance

Abstract

Sleep disorders are common in the general population. People suffering from a variety of general, neurological, and mental disorders are in high risk group. Insomnia, which is the most often form of sleep disorder, can be the onset of depression. Symptoms accompanying various neurological disorders are often a consequence of underlying sleep disorders. Objective: Examining the correlation between sleep disorders and the reduction of cognitive abilities among older people. Methods: We gathered data from 56 respondents from the University of the Third Age, aged between 52 and 81. We also performed certain objective measurements, using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), a test of working memory system and the measurements of "visuomotor" coordination. Results: Correlation has been found between the results from the proposed sleep quality scale and the outcome of MOCA as well as other measurements.