IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP IN GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH: SLEEP RESEARCH IN SCHIZOPHRENIA, COGNITIVE DISORDERS, AND AFFECTIVE DISORDERS

Abstract Sleep disturbances are central to many psychiatric disorders and have clear implications for cognition, brain health and aging; though the neurobiological mechanisms connecting sleep and psychopathology are not well understood. Older adults have different sleep architecture as well as increased incidence of insomnia and other sleep disorders, compared to younger adults. Sleep is an important and potentially modifiable risk factor for psychosis, depression, cognitive health, and other important health-related outcomes. Ellen Lee, M.D. will review the literature on sleep abnormalities in older patients with schizophrenia and present data on the links between sleep disturbances, inflammatory biomarkers and other clinical outcomes in adults aged 41-70 years with schizophrenia. Marie Anne Gebara, M.D. will present new data on the relationships between sleep disturbances, fall risk, and depression in older adults. Ruth O'Hara, Ph.D. will present on Slow Wave Sleep and its relationship to affect and cognition. Dilip Jeste, MD, will moderate and lead a discussion of sleep research in the aging population.