Lack of sleep linked to Alzheimer's risk?
Tuesday 27th September 2011
A lack of sleep could contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease, scientists believe.
According to research published in journal Neurology, a marker for the neurodegenerative condition rises and falls to reflect an individual's sleep-wake cycle.
This pattern is strongest in young healthy individuals, while increasing age saw the amyloid beta levels begin to flatten.
Amyloid beta is cleared when the brain is comparatively inactive during the night, with this occurring through spinal fluid as well as other mechanisms.
However, in older people with brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's, amyloid beta levels stayed at an almost constant level.
"We've known for some time that significant sleep deprivation has negative effects on cognitive function comparable to that of alcohol intoxication," said Stephen Duntley, of the University of Washington.
Meanwhile, research published in journal Neurology has revealed that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who do not have the condition.
Written by Mathew Horton
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