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Home /
Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders /
Sleep Disorders /
... /
Sleep Disorders in Dementia /
IN THIS TOPIC

Treatment

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Sleep Disorders
Overview of Sleep
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Insomnia and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)
Narcolepsy
Parasomnias
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Sleep Disorders in Dementia
Snoring

Test your knowledge

Effects of Aging on the Nervous System
Brain function varies as people pass from childhood through adulthood into old age. After a certain age, brain function declines. Although the decline of brain function varies from person to person, which of the following brain functions is usually the first to decline?

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Sleep Disorders in Dementia

By

Richard J. Schwab

, MD, University of Pennsylvania, Division of Sleep Medicine

Last full review/revision Jun 2020| Content last modified Jun 2020
Click here for the Professional Version
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
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In people with dementia, such as Alzheimer disease, sleep patterns are often abnormal. As dementia progresses, the time spent in light sleep increases, so people are easily awakened.

People with dementia may also have disorders that contribute to sleep problems. Disorders such as arthritis, dehydration, and infections may cause pain or discomfort, interfering with sleep. Use of certain drugs or interactions between drugs may also interfere with sleep.

Treatment

  • Treatment of the underlying disorder

  • General measures

Treatment of the dementia or any underlying disorder causing pain or discomfort may help improve sleep.

The following general measures may help:

  • Not taking or taking fewer naps during the day because naps may make sleeping at night more difficult

  • Walking outside in the sunshine

  • Exercising

  • Keeping the temperature in the bedroom comfortable

  • Not consuming beverages or foods that contain caffeine or alcohol during the evening

Drugs to aid sleep (sedatives) cause confusion, falls, and agitation in people with dementia and are not used.

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© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Snoring
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