title: Declarative memory performance is associated with the number of sleep spindles in elderly women.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sleep laboratory of University.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen healthy elderly women (age range: 61-74 years).
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data strongly support theories suggesting a link between sleep spindle activity and declarative memory consolidation.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian Albrecht University, Kiel, Germany. m.seeck-hirschner@zip-kiel.de
authors: Mareen
authors: M
authors: Seeck-Hirschner
authors: Paul Christian
authors: PC
authors: Baier
authors: Sara Lena
authors: SL
authors: Weinhold
authors: Manuela
authors: M
authors: Dittmar
authors: Steffanie
authors: S
authors: Heiermann
authors: Josef B
authors: JB
authors: Aldenhoff
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Göder
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D058256:Brain Waves / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017286:Polysomnography / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000502:physiology*