Even seniors who get enough sleep may be affected by circadian
rhythm problems, which can then lead to short-term memory loss and a
decline in overall memory function. Stanford University researchers
have concluded that when an individual’s natural body clock is
disturbed, even basic learning and memory skills can decline.

“In aging humans, one of the big things that happens is the
circadian system starts to degrade and break down,” researchers note.
“When you get older, of course, a lot of things break down, but if the
circadian system is a player in memory function, it might be that the
degradation of circadian rhythms in elderly people may contribute to
their short-term memory problems.”

The research findings were published in online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this month