Roundup: ‘Chronic Insomnia’ May Accelerate Cognitive Decline; and More News

Chronic Insomnia May Be Linked to Faster Brain Aging, Cognitive Decline

A good night's sleep is often associated with feeling refreshed and energized. However, new research suggests that its benefits may extend far deeper, potentially playing a crucial role in long-term brain health.

A new study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has found a significant association between chronic insomnia and faster declines in memory and thinking skills.

The study indicates that individuals with chronic insomnia—defined as difficulty sleeping at least three days a week for three months or more—may face a higher risk of developing cognitive issues as they age. This research followed 2,750 cognitively healthy adults with an average age of 70 for nearly six years.

Higher Risk of Cognitive Impairment or Dementia

The findings revealed that participants with chronic insomnia were 40 percent more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia compared to those without the sleep disorder.

It is important to note that this study shows an association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Still, the connection is compelling. "Insomnia doesn’t just affect how you feel the next day—it may also impact your brain health over time," said study author Diego Z. Carvalho, M.D., neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with the Mayo Clinic, in a news release. "We saw faster decline in thinking skills and changes in the brain that suggest chronic insomnia could be an early warning sign or even a contributor to future cognitive problems."

During the study, 14 percent of the participants with chronic insomnia developed mild cognitive impairment or dementia, while only 10 percent of those without insomnia did. After adjusting for other factors like age, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, the 40 percent increased risk for the insomnia group remained.

Scans Targeted Markers of Brain Aging

The research also looked at how the brain itself changes. Some participants underwent brain scans to look for specific markers of brain aging. One such marker is white matter hyperintensities, which are small areas of damage to brain tissue often caused by problems with small blood vessels. Another is amyloid plaques, which are buildups of a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease.

The study distinguished between people with insomnia who reported sleeping less than usual and those who reported sleeping more. Those who got less sleep showed lower cognitive scores from the start of the study, an effect comparable to being four years older. This group also had more white matter hyperintensities and amyloid plaques.

The findings highlight that the link between sleep and brain health is complex. "Our results suggest that insomnia may affect the brain in different ways, involving not only amyloid plaques, but also small vessels supplying blood to the brain," Dr. Carvalho explained.

This research reinforces the growing understanding that sleep is not merely a period of rest for the body and mind. It is an active state that is vital for maintaining cognitive function and brain resilience. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, this study underscores the importance of addressing sleep problems as a key component of a healthy lifestyle, especially as we age, the researchers say.

For anyone experiencing persistent trouble sleeping, consulting a healthcare professional is a recommended first step toward protecting both immediate well-being and long-term brain health.

Explore Sleep Medicine Services at Baptist Health.

Global Study: Nearly Half of Those with Diabetes Don’t Know They Have the Disease

A new global study has found that an estimated 44 percent of individuals aged 15 and older with diabetes do not know they have the disease. This lack of diagnosis is most pronounced among young adults, who are at a higher risk for developing long-term complications from diabetes..

Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, the research shows that a large number of people with diabetes worldwide are either unaware they have the condition or are not receiving the care needed to manage it effectively.

The analysis—conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a global network of collaborators—also found that for those who are diagnosed, the journey to effective management is far from guaranteed.

Managing Diabetes Remains Challenging

While the study found that 91 percent of diagnosed individuals receive some form of treatment, a much smaller number achieve control over their condition. Treatment, in this context, refers to the use of insulin or other medications designed to lower blood sugar.

Of those receiving treatment, only 42 percent were found to have their blood sugar levels managed optimally. This means their "glycaemic concentrations" — the amount of glucose in their blood—were within a healthy range. When looking at the total population of people with diabetes, this translates to a stark reality: only about 21% worldwide have their condition properly managed.

‘Silent Epidemic’ Looms

Lauryn Stafford, the study's first author and a researcher at IHME, highlighted the potential consequences of these gaps in care. “By 2050, 1.3 billion people are expected to be living with diabetes, and if nearly half don’t know they have a serious and potentially deadly health condition, it could easily become a silent epidemic,” she said in a news release.

The research also uncovered significant regional disparities in care. High-income countries in North America reported the highest rates of diagnosis, while the high-income Asia Pacific region showed the best treatment rates for those diagnosed. Southern Latin America had the most success in helping treated patients achieve optimal blood sugar management.

In stark contrast, regions like Central sub-Saharan Africa face immense challenges, with less than 20 percent of people with diabetes even being aware they have the disease.

A Global Health Issue

Despite some improvements over the last two decades, the study emphasizes that underdiagnosis and poor management of diabetes remain major global health issues. These findings support global health initiatives like the World Health Organization's goal to have 80 percent of people with diabetes clinically diagnosed by 2030.

The study concludes that targeted strategies to improve detection and management are essential to improve health outcomes and reduce the growing burden of this widespread disease.

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring with Text Reminders Shows Promise in New Study

A recent study from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that a simple combination of at-home blood pressure monitors and text message reminders may significantly help patients manage high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

Hypertension affects nearly half of U.S. adults and is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. While medication and lifestyle changes can be effective, many patients struggle to keep their blood pressure within a healthy range. Regular monitoring is critical, but frequent clinic visits can be inconvenient.

Study Design and Approach

Researchers tested whether mailing patients’ blood pressure cuffs, along with reminders to text their readings to their care teams, would improve blood pressure control. The study involved 425 patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite routine visits to primary care providers.

Participants were divided into three groups:

• Opt-out group: Patients received a blood pressure cuff by mail and were asked to send readings via text unless they declined.
• Opt-in group: Patients were asked to sign up before receiving a cuff and text reminders.
• Control group: Patients continued with usual care, which meant blood pressure checks at clinic appointments only.

Over six months, researchers tracked both participation in the remote monitoring program and changes in blood pressure.

Key Findings

The main outcome revealed that 35% of patients who received home monitors and texts were able to bring their blood pressure under control, compared with only 21% of those in the control group. Importantly, whether patients were in the opt-in or opt-out group made little difference—both saw similar participation rates and average numbers of readings submitted.

Dr. Shivan Mehta, the study’s lead author and Penn Medicine’s associate chief innovation officer, explained:

“We were able to find a way to make this user-friendly and gently keep the importance of monitoring on patients’ minds so they could make the lifestyle, medication, or other adjustments they needed.”

In other words, the simple act of regular reminders and at-home tracking gave patients the extra support needed to manage their condition more effectively.

Implications for Future Care

The researchers noted that the small difference between opt-in and opt-out approaches may have stemmed from the study’s reliance on phone calls for enrollment. Future programs could streamline this process by enrolling patients automatically through texting systems, reducing effort for both patients and staff.

The study also highlighted an important public health angle: 86% of participants were Black, reflecting the local clinic’s patient population. In the United States, Black adults are more likely than white adults to develop hypertension, often at younger ages and with more severe health consequences.

For patients living with high blood pressure, these findings are encouraging. At-home monitoring, combined with simple digital reminders, can be a powerful tool to support treatment plans. While not a replacement for medical care, this strategy may help patients and their providers stay connected between visits, leading to better outcomes.