Sleep is important for the brain’s ability to function. Several researchers are therefore working to understand how changes in sleep may be linked to memory and aging.
In a 2025 study published in the journal Neurology involving 733 participants with an average age of 82.5 years, 12.7 percent developed dementia.
Women with significantly increased sleepiness had about twice the risk compared with those with stable sleep patterns.
According to researcher Yue Leng from the University of California, sleep is important because it allows the brain to recover.
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Among other things, good sleep helps preserve the ability to think clearly and remember information.
Researchers disagree
Although some studies point to a connection, researchers still disagree on many aspects, as sleep remains an area where knowledge is still limited.
Neurologist Clifford Segil explained to Women’s Health in 2025 that researchers still do not fully understand why humans sleep.
However, he emphasized that poor sleep can affect memory in older people.
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Researchers are therefore continuing to investigate whether changes in sleep patterns may be an early sign of problems in the brain.
Episodes spark debate
The debate gained renewed attention in February 2026. Several media outlets noted that U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to be sitting with his eyes closed during a public event.
The White House subsequently rejected the criticism. According to The Independent, spokesperson Anna Kelly said that the president continues to work with high energy.
Similar situations were previously reported in the media in 2025, including at an official event and during a government meeting.
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Trump himself explained to The Wall Street Journal in January 2026 that he generally does not need much sleep.
These episodes have led several commentators to consider whether pronounced fatigue in public settings could, in some cases, be linked to dementia.
Sources: Health Digest, Neurology, Women’s Health, The Independent, and The Wall Street Journal.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.