Sleep, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Interventions for Sleep Improvement: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Sleep disturbance in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), more severe AD symptoms, and worse health outcomes. The aim of this review was to examine the relationship between sleep and MCI, and the effectiveness of sleep improvement interventions for older adults with MCI or AD. An integrative review was conducted using four databases, and findings were analyzed using an iterative process. Findings from 24 studies showed that alterations in sleep increased the risk of MCI and that the sleep quality of individuals with MCI or AD was poorer than healthy controls. Changes in brain anatomy were also observed in healthy older adults with sleep disturbances. Examined interventions were shown to be effective in improving sleep. Screening for sleep disturbances in individuals with MCI/AD is crucial to mitigate neurodegenerative or neurobehavioral risks in this population.