Declarative memory performance is associated with the number of sleep spindles in elderly women.

OBJECTIVE

Recent evidence suggests that the sleep-dependent consolidation of declarative memory relies on the nonrapid eye movement rather than the rapid eye movement phase of sleep. In addition, it is known that aging is accompanied by changes in sleep and memory processes. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the overnight consolidation of declarative memory in healthy elderly women.

SETTING

Sleep laboratory of University.

PARTICIPANTS

Nineteen healthy elderly women (age range: 61-74 years).

MEASUREMENTS

We used laboratory-based measures of sleep. To test declarative memory, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test was performed.

RESULTS

Declarative memory performance in elderly women was associated with Stage 2 sleep spindle density. Women characterized by high memory performance exhibited significantly higher numbers of sleep spindles and higher spindle density compared with women with generally low memory performance.

CONCLUSION

The data strongly support theories suggesting a link between sleep spindle activity and declarative memory consolidation.