Impact of sleep disturbances on neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD

Catarina Saraiva Fernandes, MD, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal, discusses her research evaluating the association between sleep disturbances and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The cross-sectional study involved 61 patients with AD, who were assessed for sleep disturbances using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), STOP-BANG score, Epworth scale (ES), and REM Behavior Disorder screening questionnaire (RBDSQ). The study showed correlations between PSQI and STOP-BANG scores and various neuropsychiatric symptoms, including indifference, aphasia, and perseveration. Notably, patients at higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea presented with more prominent frontal features. The research highlights the importance of diagnosing sleep disorders in AD, given the impact of sleep quality on diurnal function. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Annual Meeting 2024 in Helsinki, Finland.
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