Sleep Disturbances
Changes in sleep patterns can be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals may experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than usual. They may also experience increased daytime sleepiness or a change in sleep quality. These changes in sleep patterns can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to note that changes in sleep patterns alone are not enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, but they can be a red flag for further investigation.
If you notice changes in your loved one’s sleep patterns, it’s important to discuss them with a medical professional. Your doctor can evaluate their symptoms and perform tests to treat them accordingly. They may also recommend changes to your loved one’s sleep habits or prescribe medication to improve sleep quality. A person with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers should be able to detect and treat sleep disturbances early on so that their quality of life can be improved