Risk Factors for Poor Sleep Quality and Subjective Cognitive Decline in Older Adults Living in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety are associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and greater risk for developing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted sleep habits and psychological well-being in many individuals, yet their relationship to SCD in this context remains understudied. We examined sociodemographic characteristics, depression, anxiety, and sleep changes during the pandemic (i.e., increased problems/poorer quality) and SCD in older individuals living in the US. METHODS: = 67.4 [7.4]) completed an online survey including a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (Revised) (CES-D-10; depression), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7; anxiety), the Everyday Cognition scale (ECog; SCD), and a question about increased sleep problems/worsened sleep quality during the pandemic. Hierarchical and logistic regression analyses were used to assess relations among sociodemographic factors, depression, anxiety, changes in sleep quality, and SCD. RESULTS: = 0.017) predicted reported poorer sleep during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Depression, anxiety, and poorer sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with greater SCD concerns. Greater depression and anxiety were also associated with the reported sleep problems/worsened sleep quality. Prevention and management of anxiety and depressive symptoms may help maintain sleep quality and reduce risk of cognitive decline.
Source: Healthcare
Language: English
Topic: Sleep and related disorders
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Awards: Examining Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults at Risk of Dementia, G3339088943, Treatment of Circadian Disruption from Shiftwork in Older Adults, Aerobic fitness as a modifier of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer's disease, Proteomic and Transcriptomic Biomarkers of Circadian Timing, Relationship between tau pathology and cognitive impairment in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease, Examining the impact of sex and hormones on the progression of autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease, Boston Latino Aging Study (BLAST): Understanding Alzheimer's risk and biomarkers in older Latinos, Training in Sleep, Circadian, and Respiratory Neurobiology
OpenAlex ID: W4408669348