Semin Neurol 2025; 45(03): 333-347
DOI: 10.1055/a-2557-8422
Review Article

Sleep Alterations and Cognitive Decline

1   Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
2   Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
3   Center On Biological Rhythms and Sleep, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
› Author Affiliations

Funding B.P.L. receives research support from the National Institutes of Health, private foundations, and Eisai. He also receives consulting fees from Eisai and Eli Lilly. B.P.L. serves on a scientific advisory board for the Weston Family Foundation, Data Safety and Monitoring Boards for Eli Lilly, and the Scientific Advisory Board for Beacon Biosignals. B.P.L. receives drug/matched placebo from Merck for a clinical trial funded by a private foundation and drug/matched placebo from Eisai for a clinical trial funded by the National Institute on Aging.
Preview

Abstract

Sleep disturbances and cognitive decline are intricately connected, and both are prevalent in aging populations and individuals with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. Sleep is vital for cognitive functions including memory consolidation, executive function, and attention. Disruption in these processes is associated with cognitive decline, although causal evidence is mixed. This review delves into the bidirectional relationship between alterations in sleep and cognitive impairment, exploring key mechanisms such as amyloid-β accumulation, tau pathology, synaptic homeostasis, neurotransmitter dysregulation, oxidative stress, and vascular contributions. Evidence from both experimental research and population-based studies underscores the necessity of early interventions targeting sleep to mitigate risks of neurodegenerative diseases. A deeper understanding of the interplay between sleep and cognitive health may pave the way for innovative strategies to prevent or reduce cognitive decline through improved sleep management.



Publication History

Accepted Manuscript online:
13 March 2025

Article published online:
03 April 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA