P035 Good quality sleep is associated with initial encoding and long-term consolidation of memory in older adults

Abstract Introduction Ageing is one of the strongest and consistent factors which affect sleep. Poor quality sleep may be one of the initial presentations of poor cognitive decline in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we assess the association of changes in sleep quality with cognitive function in older adults. Methods 54 participants between 50-80 years were recruited from geriatric clinic and community. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI) and Indian Council of Medical research-Neuro Cognitive Toolbox (ICMR-NCTB) were used for assessing sleep quality and different cognitive domains. Results Mean age of the participants was 63 years (Male=49, Female=05). 25 were good sleepers (PSQI score ≤5) and 29 were poor sleepers (PSQI score >5). PSQI global score was found to have a negative correlation with episodic memory (immediate recall score) (r=-0.38, p=0.004) and delayed recall score (r= -0.31, p=0.024) and significant positive correlation with attention and executive function measured with trail making test-B (TMT-B) (r=0.35, p=0.01). There was a significant difference between good and poor sleepers in immediate recall score (p=0.042) and trail making test-B (TMT-B) (p=0.002) but not for delayed recall score (p=0.115). Conclusion As sleep quality decreases, episodic memory performance also declines. The impact of poor sleep might be more pronounced on the ability to recall information immediately after it is presented than on the ability to recall information after a delay. This suggests addressing sleep quality could mitigate cognitive decline risks in older adults.