Sleep Disturbances in Community-Dwelling Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

This study examined the prevalence and nature of sleep disruptions in 215 patients enrolled in an Alzheimer's disease research registry. Problems with sleep were identified in interviews with a caregiver living with the patient. In the total sample, 86 (40%) of the patients were reported to have a disruption in their sleep. The nature of sleep problems included difficulty falling asleep (11%), multiple awakenings during sleep (24%), early morning wakenings (8%), and a disruption of diurnal sleep rhythm (14%). Most patients (45%) had a disruption in only one area of their sleep. No significant differences in MMSE score or CDR staging were found between patients with and without sleep disruptions. A higher prevalence of sleep disturbances in African-Americans compared to Caucasians (x2 = 5.70, p < .05) was the only significant demographic effect. Sleep/wake disturbances were independent of most other behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. Assessment and treatment of disturbed sleep in AD patients should focus on the multiple factors that can influence sleep.