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Study Links Weaker Circadian Rhythms to Higher Dementia Risk

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The study finds weaker circadian rhythms are linked to nearly 2.5 times higher dementia risk in older adults.
Researchers tracked over 2,000 participants (average age 79) using a chest-worn electrocardiogram (ECG) patch to measure circadian rhythms, noting a U-shaped sleep-wake association with risk and cautioning that causation has not been proven.
Among participants, 31 of 728 with strong rhythms developed dementia, compared with 106 of 727 with weak rhythms.

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Story summary

The study finds weaker circadian rhythms are linked to nearly 2.5 times higher dementia risk in older adults.
Researchers tracked over 2,000 participants (average age 79) using a chest-worn electrocardiogram (ECG) patch to measure circadian rhythms, noting a U-shaped sleep-wake association with risk and cautioning that causation has not been proven.
Among participants, 31 of 728 with strong rhythms developed dementia, compared with 106 of 727 with weak rhythms.