Sleep and Memory: The Promise of Precision Medicine

Sleep Med Clin. 2019 Sep;14(3):371-378. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2019.05.001. Epub 2019 Jun 8.

Abstract

Given the complex and bidirectional nature of sleep and mild cognitive impairment/Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, a precision medicine approach to education, lifestyle changes, and early assessment in patients with a family history of snoring, sleep apnea, diabetes, and heart disease is warranted. Furthermore, a team-based approach allows for a coordinated precision diagnosis and management of common comorbid chronic illnesses. The significance of sleep disturbances in this population, contributing factors, assessment and diagnostic challenges, common sleep disorders and mechanisms, tailored behavioral and pharmacologic interventions, knowledge gaps, and future research ideas are discussed.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD); Elderly; Mild cognitive impairment (MCI); Precision sleep assessment; Precision sleep treatment; Sleep.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / epidemiology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / physiopathology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Humans
  • Polysomnography
  • Precision Medicine
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / epidemiology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / therapy*