Daytime Sleepiness and Functional Impairment in Alzheimer Disease

• Published in: The American journal of geriatric psychiatry 2007-07, Vol.15 (7), p.620-626
• Main Authors: Lee, Jung Hie, M.D., Ph.D, Bliwise, Donald L., Ph.D, Ansari, Farzaneh Pour, M.A, Goldstein, Felicia C., Ph.D, Cellar, Janet S., M.S., R.N, Lah, James J., M.D., Ph.D, Levey, Allan I., M.D., Ph.D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Alzheimer disease; Alzheimer Disease - diagnosis; Alzheimer Disease - epidemiology; Alzheimer Disease - physiopathology; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence - epidemiology; Female; functional status; Humans; Internal Medicine; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Prevalence; Severity of Illness Index; Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm - epidemiology; Sleepiness
• ISSN: 1064-7481; 1545-7214
• DOI: 10.1097/JGP.0b013e3180381521

Objective Daytime sleep has been noted to accompany dementing illness and is more pronounced as dementia severity increases. Although acknowledged by caregivers, sleepiness during the daytime is among the least troublesome of sleep behaviors described in Alzheimer Disease (AD) patients. The purpose of this study was to examine whether patient and spouse/caregiver reports of daytime sleepiness in AD were associated with lower functional status in those patients. Methods The authors utilized the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess reported daytime sleepiness and a modification of the Lawton and Brody scale to assess functional status in a group of 137 AD patients. The authors also examined typical bedtimes and wakeup times via questionnaire. Results Higher levels of daytime sleepiness were associated with greater impairments in functional status. These results were independent of level of cognitive impairment, as assessed with Mini-Mental State Exam, and they were also detectable when the authors limited analyses to data reported only by spouse/caregiver. Findings were not associated with medication use. AD patients also had earlier bedtimes and later wake-up times than a comparison group. Conclusion Even apart from its association with impaired cognition, daytime sleepiness was associated with functional impairment in AD patients. Although daytime sleep may represent a welcome relief for caregivers, its presence may be associated with greater impairment in instrumental activities and may warrant intervention.