According to the latest data and research, the prevalence of dementia is steadily rising worldwide. It is projected that by 2030, the number of individuals affected by dementia will surge to 78 million. Dementia is not only a significant health concern but also imposes a substantial economic burden globally. In 2019, the economic losses attributed to dementia amounted to 1.3trillion. This situation presents considerable challenges for individuals, families, and society at large. Therefore, it is imperative to implement effective preventive measures and the standards of diagnosis and treatment for dementia. In preliminary studies, we identified sleep disturbances as risk factors for dementia. However, the trajectory of sleep disturbances preceding dementia, as well as the mechanis.
This study will analyze an elderly sleep cohort to: 1) explore sleep patterns among older adults across different age groups, genders, and APOE gene carriers; 2) investigate the role of APOE gene variations in the imaging of sleep disorders and their psychological and cognitive implications; 3) delineate the brain network trajectories associated with psychological and cognitive impairments resulting from sleep disorders; and 4) establish a multimodal predictive model for psychological and cognitive impairments based on sleep disturbances. This comprehensive approach allowed us to delve deeper into the relationship among sleep disturbances, mental disorders and cognitive impairment in the aging.
We expect that this project will take 36 months to complete. Investigating the relationship between sleep and psychological-cognitive function, along with the underlying molecular and neurofunctional mechanisms, is crucial for advancing research on the pathogenesis of cognitive impairments. This understanding holds significant practical value for preclinical interventions targeting cognitive disorders and offers considerable societal benefits for the harmonious development of an aging population.
