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Asian medicine

Sleep Disorders Common Among Dementia Patients, Study Reveals

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in Sleep Science and Practice has revealed that sleep disorders are a common symptom among dementia patients. The research, conducted by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Service-Elderly Cohort Database, which spanned the years 2002 to 2019. The study found that among 180,536 participants diagnosed with dementia, 61,058 (33.8%) had accompanying sleep disorders. The study also identified various characteristics that increased the risk of sleep disorders among dementia patients, including age, sex, and the presence of certain health conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 33.8% of dementia patients had accompanying sleep disorders, indicating a significant co-morbidity between dementia and sleep disorders.
  • Dementia patients without sleep disorders were significantly older than those with sleep disorders, suggesting that age may be a factor in the risk of sleep disorders.
  • The presence or absence of sleep disorders can affect patients' need for long-term care, emphasizing the importance of addressing sleep disorders in dementia patients.
  • The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to screen and treat sleep disorders in dementia patients to improve their quality of life.
  • The research was sponsored by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute and the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine.

Statistics:

  • 180,536 participants were diagnosed with dementia in the study.
  • 61,058 (33.8%) of dementia patients had accompanying sleep disorders.
  • The prevalence of sleep disorders did not significantly differ by sex among dementia patients.
  • Dementia patients without sleep disorders were significantly older than those with sleep disorders (p < 0.001).

Sources:

  • "Sleep disorders among dementia patients and their related factors." Sleep Science and Practice, 2025,9(1):1-6. (Sleep Science and Practice - https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s41606-025-00147-6)
  • Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine
  • Korea Health Industry Development Institute
  • National Health Insurance Service-Elderly Cohort Database

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