Sleep, circadian rhythms and memory processes in the elderly

Journal title RICERCHE DI PSICOLOGIA
Author/s Carlo Cipolli, Giovanni Tuozzi
Publishing Year 2013 Issue 2012/2-3 Language Italian
Pages 17 P. 369-385 File size 474 KB
DOI 10.3280/RIP2012-002015
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Aging is characterized by several changes in the sleep quality and architecture. The main changes are a measurable decrease in the ability to initiate and maintain sleep, a decrease in the proportion of the deeper, more restorative slow-wave sleep and REM sleep, an increased diurnal sleepiness and an altered circadian cycle of wake-sleep. These changes per se, or in association with specific sleep disorders, are often accompanied by impairments in cognitive functions, overall declarative and non-declarative memory. Some strategies based on behavioural techniques have proved to be fairly effective - per se or in association with chrono-, photo- or pharmacological therapies- to maintain or recover the sleep organization and the circadian rhythm of wake-sleep and, in turn, the cognitive functioning in home- and (overall) community-dwelling elderly.

Keywords: Sleep, circadian rhythms, declarative and non-declarative memory, sleep hygiene.

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Carlo Cipolli, Giovanni Tuozzi, Sonno, ritmi circadiani e processi di memoria nell’anziano in "RICERCHE DI PSICOLOGIA " 2-3/2012, pp 369-385, DOI: 10.3280/RIP2012-002015