Current and Emerging Sleep Interventions for Older Adults with or without Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This systematic scoping review examines evidence from the last five years on sleep interventions in cognitive healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment. Recent Findings: Sleep disturbance has been identified as a potential early, modifiable risk factor for dementia, making it crucial to investigate if these interventions also enhance cognitive function and neurodegenerative biomarkers. Summary: Since 2019, research on sleep interventions in older adults with or without cognitive impairment has gradually expanded, especially on non-pharmacological treatments including CBT-I, exercise, and multi-modal interventions, which show promise but require further study to confirm cognitive benefits. Pharmacological interventions have primarily focused on melatonin and orexin antagonists, with long-term safety remaining a concern. Tailored, clinically effective interventions that consider the presence of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, such as amyloid, tau, cerebrovascular disease, or alpha-synuclein in key sleep-related circuits, are essential to developing feasible, cost-effective, and scalable treatments for older adults with or without cognitive impairment.