Fatigue
Fatigue: Overview, Causes, and Management
Fatigue is a common, multifaceted symptom characterized by an overwhelming sense of tiredness, lack of energy, and reduced capacity for physical and mental work. It can be acute or chronic and may significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.
Causes of Fatigue
Fatigue arises from a wide range of medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors, including:
- Medical conditions:
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders
- Neurological diseases including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia (notably Lewy body dementia)
- Sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and REM sleep behavior disorder
- Infections and inflammatory conditions
- Anemia and nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin B12)
- Psychological factors:
- Depression, anxiety, and stress contribute significantly to fatigue.
- Medications:
- Side effects of various drugs, including sedatives, antihistamines, and some blood pressure medications.
- Lifestyle factors:
- Poor sleep hygiene, sedentary lifestyle, excessive caffeine or alcohol use, and irregular routines.
Fatigue in Specific Conditions
- In Lewy body dementia (LBD), fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness are prominent and often appear early, even before other cognitive symptoms worsen. Sleep disturbances such as REM sleep behavior disorder contribute to poor nighttime rest and daytime tiredness. Fatigue in LBD is linked to disruptions in brain systems regulating sleep and wakefulness, distinct from fatigue in Alzheimer’s disease, where it tends to occur later and correlates with disease severity13.
- Fatigue may also be a symptom of other neurodegenerative diseases, chronic illnesses, or mental health disorders.
Management Strategies
- Address underlying causes: Treat medical conditions, review and adjust medications, and manage psychological factors.
- Sleep hygiene: Establish regular sleep routines, limit daytime naps, reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, and create a restful sleep environment.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise improves energy levels and reduces fatigue.
- Structured routines: Planning activities during times of higher alertness and allowing rest periods can help manage energy.
- Professional evaluation: Referral to specialists for sleep studies or psychological support may be necessary.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Persistent sense of tiredness and lack of energy affecting physical and mental activities |
| Common Causes | Chronic diseases, neurological disorders, sleep disturbances, psychological factors, medications |
| Fatigue in LBD | Early and prominent; linked to sleep-wake cycle disruption and REM sleep behavior disorder |
| Management | Treat underlying conditions, improve sleep hygiene, exercise, structured daily routines, medical support |
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References
- Lewy Body Dementia Association. Daytime Sleepiness is More Common in Lewy Body Dementia than Alzheimer’s Disease.
https://www.lbda.org/blog/daytime-sleepiness-is-more-common-in-lewy-body-dementia-than-alzheimers-disease/ - Lewy Body Dementia Support. Managing Sleep Disturbance in Lewy Body Dementia.
https://www.lewybody.org/information-and-support/information-leaflets/managing-sleep-disturbance-in-lewy-body-dementia/ - Lewy Body Dementia Association. Daytime Sleepiness is More Common in Dementia with Lewy Bodies than Alzheimer’s.
https://www.lbda.org/daytime-sleepiness-is-more-common-in-dementia-with-lewy-bodies-than-alzheimers/ - Alzheimer’s Society UK. Is it typical for people with dementia to sleep a lot during the day?
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/is-it-typical-people-dementia-sleep-lot-during-day - Mayo Clinic. Lewy body dementia – Symptoms and causes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lewy-body-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352025
Fatigue is a complex symptom with diverse causes. Understanding its origins and implementing tailored management strategies can significantly improve well-being and daily functioning.
