The Contribution of sleep and the cortisol awakening response to age-related executive functioning among community dwelling older adults

Denise Parker

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

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Abstract

Executive functioning positively predicts older adults' quality of life. Sleep performs multiple critical roles in neuronal health. Advancing age has been associated with declines in both cognitive performance and sleep quality, including greater sleep disturbance, less total sleep time, and fewer minutes of both rapid eye movement and slow wave sleep. Across three studies, this thesis assessed whether specific sleep changes contributed to cognitive ageing among community-dwelling older adults. We found longer awakening duration mediated age-related deficits in executive function, but only in individuals with below-average cognitive reserve. For vulnerable individuals, sleep quality may confer some protection against cognitive decline.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Western Australia
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Bucks, Romola, Supervisor
  • Weinborn, Michael, Supervisor
  • Rainey-Smith, Stephanie, Supervisor
Thesis sponsors
Award date7 Nov 2022
DOIs
Publication statusUnpublished - 2022

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