Factors associated with sleep disturbances in dementia: the role of anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and pharmacological interventions

Introduction. Sleep disturbances are commonly observed in dementia, affecting between 25% and 80% of patients. These disturbances can significantly impact patient behavior and quality of life, as well as increase caregiver burden. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of sleep disturbances among dementia patients, focusing on demographic and clinical variables. Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 196 dementia patients from the “Memory Center” at “Prof. Dr. Al. Obregia” Clinical Psychiatry Hospital. Data were collected on sleep disturbances, dementia subtype, demographics, comorbidities, cognitive function, and medication use. Statistical tests were used to assess correlations between sleep disturbances and clinical factors. Results. Twenty-nine percent of the dementia patients exhibited sleep disturbances. No significant association was found between sleep disturbances and dementia subtype, age, gender, or urban-rural residence. However, traumatic brain injury and anxiety were significantly associated with sleep disturbances, with odds ratios of 4.47 and 2.87, respectively. Benzodiazepines and trazodone were commonly prescribed to manage sleep disturbances in the studied population, reflecting their frequent use in addressing this issue. Conclusion. Sleep disturbances in dementia patients are prevalent and may be exacerbated by factors like traumatic brain injury and anxiety. While pharmacologic interventions, including benzodiazepines and trazodone, are widely used, their impact on cognitive outcomes warrants further investigation.