In the Hands of Hypnos: Associations between Sleep, Cognitive Performance and Financial Capacity in aMCI and Mild AD

Abstract

Objective The aim of this monocentric observational study is to assess whether sleep disorders can predict financial capacity in single-and multiple-domain aMCI (amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment), mild Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and healthy controls. Methods Older participants from Northern Greece were examined with several neuropsychological tests, including Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Legal Capacity for Property Law Transactions Assessment Scale (LCPLTAS). Sleep duration and quality were based on caregiver/family members’ reports in the Sleep Disorders Inventory (SDI). Results These preliminary findings coming from 147 participants indicate for the first time that apart from MMSE, complex cognitive functions, such as financial capacity may be also directly linked to the frequency of sleep-disturbed behaviours as indicated by SDI frequency questions, both in aMCI and mild AD. Discussion An urgency for further investigation of the neglected sleep factor should be added in financial capacity assessment protocols.