Sleep disorders, circadian dysregulation, and Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer’s affects 55 million people worldwide, and projections put that number over 135 million by 2050. If you have known someone with Alzheimer’s disease, and most of us have, you can attest to the heartache and physical toll that accompanies it. Alzheimer’s progresses from trouble recalling recent events or conversations to the inability to physically care for oneself. Sleep problems affect not only the patient, but also the caregivers – it is the main reason people with Alzheimer’s are placed in nursing homes.
Two possible symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disorder. these conditions also contribute to Alzheimer’s and its progression. How does this happen? Research shows a direct connection between insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness and the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain. When we sleep, fluids flush out toxic proteins from the brain. Insufficient sleep slows this process, and plaque builds in the brain which contributes to Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, circadian rhythm disorder can cause inflammation, harm cellular repair systems, and oxidative stress which contributes to the acceleration of the disease.
Current research shows that some strategies aimed at improving sleep and circadian rhythm may slow progression of the disease.
For additional information visit: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306452225002684