Deadly Dementia Study – Better Get Your Sleep

One of my all-time favorite music groups is AC/DC.  They're still rocking with a 73 year old lead singer and 66 year old guitarist. They've sold more than 200-millon records and made tons of money in the process but all the money in the world won't stop dementia.  Malcom Young, co-founder and rhythm guitarist died from the effects of dementia on 18 November 2017at the age of 64.

Of all the diseases and conditions in the world that can catch up with a person. I have to say it's dementia that concerns me most.  Not sure why.  I have no family history of anything like that but it kinda scares me. Maybe it's because memory and cognitive ability are so important to my job and how I live life?

"Dementia is a collective term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness. It is a symptom of several underlying diseases and brain disorders. Dementia is not a single disease in itself, but a general term to describe symptoms of impairment in memory, communication, and thinking."

Someone I know living in my neighborhood has dementia and it has been heartbreaking to witness their decline.  So what causes it?  I'm not sure but I get concerned when I see headlines to stories like this!

NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP RAISES RISK OF DEMENTIA

As a morning show radio guy for the past 20 years (one of those early risers Lance talks about) I have missed out on a ton of sleep. That is NOT healthy.  The gist of the report -Middle-aged people who only sleep six hours or less have an increased risk of developing dementia than those who regularly get seven hours, according to a new study.

"The French researchers found that persistently getting six hours of sleep or less among adults aged 50, 60, and 70 was linked to a 30 percent greater dementia risk, even after accounting for other factors. The study authors noted that evidence suggests sleep supports cognitive performance and clears toxic beta-amyloid protein plaques from the brain."

The science has not revealed a direct cause and effect but the link is serious enough to keep me up at night. Sheesh!

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