Independent associations between sleep duration, gamma gap, and cognitive function among older adults: Results from the NHANES 2013-2014

This study examined whether gamma gap mediated the association between sleep and cognitive function. Data from NHANES 2013-2014 were used. Three tests were used to measure cognitive function. Sleep was measured by three single questions. Gamma gap was calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein. Participants were 1392 older adults (53.2% females). Approximately 12% reported being told having sleep disorder, 1/3 reported having trouble sleeping, 25.9% had short sleep, and 12.5% had long sleep. Sleep disorders and sleep quality were not associated with cognitive function. Long sleep duration was an independent risk factor of reduced cognitive function on immediate recall, delayed recall, and executive function. Elevated gamma gap was also an independent risk factor of lower cognitive function. In a representative sample of older adults in the US, gamma gap and sleep duration were independent predictors of cognitive function. This study highlights the need for sleep assessment among older adults.