Sleep disorders and their significance in the development of cognitive impairments

Abstract

The review of literature considers the possible mechanisms responsible for the development of sleep disorders in patients with varying degrees of cognitive impairments. It assesses the association of the severity of cognitive impairments (CI) with the degree of sleep disorders. The treatment of sleep disorders in patients with cognitive disorders, the benefits and risks of current hypnotic drugs are discussed in detail. Recommendations are given to manage patients with sleep disorders concurrent with cognitive dysfunctions. Melatonin preparations are noted to be effective in treating insomnia in patients with CI.

Keywords

• cognitive impairments
• moderate cognitive impairments
• dementia
• alzheimer’s disease
• vascular dementia
• vascular cognitive impairments
• sleep disorders
• emotional disorders
• melaxen