Sir, – In discussion of the various steps we can take to reduce the risk of dementia, George Winter might have also mentioned sleep (“How big a factor is lifestyle in Alzheimer’s disease?”, Health + Family, August 23rd).
Many of the strategies one can advocate require effort, sacrifice or self-discipline – eating well, taking exercise or refraining from tobacco and alcohol.
There may be many who struggle to find such self-control.
But as days get shorter, turning in early can be a simple pleasure and there is abundant evidence that the duration and quality of sleep combine to reduce the likelihood of dementia. – Yours, etc,
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BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.
