{"id":1219,"date":"2020-10-01T01:57:21","date_gmt":"2020-10-01T01:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/?p=1219"},"modified":"2021-01-27T16:55:20","modified_gmt":"2021-01-27T16:55:20","slug":"could-better-sleep-lower-the-risk-of-alzheimers-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/2020\/10\/01\/could-better-sleep-lower-the-risk-of-alzheimers-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Better Sleep Lower the Risk of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The link between sleep and Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a subject we\u2019ve written about in the past<\/a>, and it\u2019s important to stay up-to-date as new research becomes available, because the disease has likely touched you or someone you love in some way. Generally a scary topic, Alzheimer\u2019s is something that most of us would prefer not to think about, and if you know someone who has experienced it, you have seen firsthand that it is a frightening and debilitating disease that affects not only the one suffering but caretakers, family members, and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

While this subject can be uncomfortable, it\u2019s incredibly important to address it. We want to share with you how scientists are continuing to discover more about the connection between sleep and disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What We Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start with a baseline of what we know about Alzheimer\u2019s, sleep, and the buildup of beta-amyloid peptides in the brain, a distinct and key marker<\/a> of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers have found<\/a> that shorter sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with individuals having greater amounts of amyloid deposits in the brain. Additionally, when a person experiences short (or even too<\/em> long) sleep duration (more or less than 7-8 hours a night) in midlife, it results in lower cognitive scores<\/a> down the road.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While further research is needed to definitively confirm that poor and fragmented sleep promotes the development of Alzheimer\u2019s, the association with the buildup of beta-amyloid proteins is clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now, new findings<\/a> underline existing literature that suggests deep, restorative sleep may prevent or at least slow down the development of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study above\u2019s participants, observed over multiple years, had the growth rate of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain tracked, and that growth rate was evaluated against each participant\u2019s individual sleep profiles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers found that the trajectory of beta-amyloid growth in the participant\u2019s brains correlated with baseline sleep quality. From there, the researchers were able to forecast the increase in beta-amyloid plaques over the course of the individual\u2019s life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who reported worsening sleep quality in their 40\u2019s and 50\u2019s had more beta-amyloid proteins later in life, while those reporting a decline in their 50\u2019s and 60\u2019s reported more tau protein tangles<\/a> (another marker for Alzheimer\u2019s disease).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With these findings, the researchers encouraged physicians to proactively inquire about sleep quality in their older patients and recommend steps to intervene if necessary, citing that early poor sleep intervention may help prevent Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested intervention steps include simple sleep hygiene tips, such as clearing all distractions from the bedroom, going to bed earlier and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule. Additionally, recommending treatment for sleep conditions often faced by older adults, such as sleep apnea, is a step in the right direction to identify and manage any issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While treatment for Alzheimer\u2019s disease is becoming more promising as new developments pave the way, prevention should also be considered, and current research indicates that sleep may play a big part in prevention going forward. Recognizing sleep apnea early (particularly in people who are 50+, who tend to experience a higher rate of the disorder), is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following behaviors, it may be an indication of sleep apnea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n