The Link Between Poor Sleep and Alzheimer’s Disease

In July 2017, Neurology published a study suggesting that inadequate sleep increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease . Researchers believe that sleep disturbances cause proteins called amyloid and tau , which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, to accumulate in the cerebrospinal fluid.

According to the research, sleep problems increase Alzheimer’s disease risk in later middle age. The study, conducted in Wisconsin in the United States, first examined sleep quality and patterns in 101 people with an average age of 62.9, of whom 65.3% were women. Sleep quality was assessed using a medical sleep scale. Amyloid metabolism, neuronal degeneration, neurofilament light neurological markers, synaptic dysfunction, and neurogranin were evaluated. Sleep results were assessed from different perspectives, considering biological markers, age, sex, and measures of sleep status.

In conclusion, poor sleep quality, various sleep problems, and persistent daytime drowsiness were associated with impaired cognitive function and increased Alzheimer’s risk. However, there are not yet sufficient data to establish whether sleep problems accelerate existing Alzheimer’s disease or whether the disease adversely affects sleep quality. Measures to establish healthy sleep patterns can be taken early in life. If you have sleep problems, consulting a neurologist or psychiatrist may be helpful.

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