At this year’s Australian Dementia Researh Forum (ADRF) Conference, Prof Sharon Naismith delivered a powerful address to a packed audience of over 500 attendees, highlighting the crucial—and often underappreciated—role of sleep in dementia risk.
Prof Naismith, Chief Investigator of the SIESTA program, explained that chronic sleep complaints affect up to half of older adults, yet they are rarely addressed in clinical settings. She underscored that sleep is more than just rest—it plays a vital role in protecting the ageing brain.
Her keynote touched on:
- Cardiovascular health
- Neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells)
- Synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation
The message was clear: sleep isn’t just a side effect of dementia—it may be a contributor. By addressing sleep issues early, we have a potential opportunity to reduce long-term dementia risk.
With Maggie Bear by her side and a captivated audience, Prof Naismith made a compelling case for putting sleep at the centre of brain health research and prevention.