Insomnia increases risk of dementia in elderly people, study finds

According to a recent study, sleep deprivation and insomnia in the elderly are linked to the risk of dementia. In this regard, researchers say that good sleep also makes it possible to protect mental health.

Regarding this study, which was reported in the journal Neurology yesterday, scientists say that those elderly people who suffer from chronic insomnia may experience a rapid decline in memory and thinking ability with age.

Scientists say that severe insomnia or sleep deprivation increases the risk of dementia (mental weakness and forgetfulness) or decline in mental ability by up to 40 percent.

Scientists further say that, in comparison, this does not happen to people who get enough sleep.