Millions of people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive condition that causes memory loss, difficulty finding words, problems solving issues and other cognitive difficulties, and is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the disease and prepare for cognitive changes.
According to HuffPost, researchers at the University of Liège in Belgium examined a possible link between sleep quality and increased risk of Alzheimer’s in a new study. They studied the sleep patterns of more than 500 people aged 18 to 31 and 50 to 69 and found that older adults who experienced frequent "micro-awakenings" during sleep were genetically at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. These micro-awakenings were observed before any symptoms of the disease appeared, such as memory impairment or trouble finding words, and participants were healthy at the time of the study.
In contrast, young people who had frequent micro-awakenings during the night did not show a similar increase in Alzheimer’s risk. The researchers described micro-awakenings as brief bursts of brain activity that do not necessarily fully awaken the person but disrupt sleep. Participants’ brain activity was examined using electroencephalography, and the results were published in the scientific journal Sleep.
The study also had limitations. Of more than 500 participants, only 87 were in the older age group, and such a small sample may not yield results generalizable to the broader population. Also, frequent micro-awakenings do not mean a person will definitely develop Alzheimer’s.
However, previous research has also linked sleep with brain health and the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The brain consolidates memories during sleep and clears waste products that may be associated with increased Alzheimer’s risk. Arman Pashaki-zadeh, an assistant professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine, says sleep disruption, especially reduced slow-wave or deep sleep, is strongly associated with increased dementia risk, and changes in sleep architecture may be early signs of neurodegenerative diseases.
Although genetic factors play a role in developing Alzheimer’s, some actions can reduce risk or delay onset. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as walking, gardening, or cycling, and also treating hearing loss, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
A diet containing healthy fats, whole grains, fruit, vegetables and lean meats is also recommended. Smoking and alcohol use can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Getting enough sleep and treating disorders like sleep apnea are also important. James Ellison, a geriatric psychiatrist, says the brain rebuilds itself during deep sleep and the concentration of beta-amyloid, a protein involved in Alzheimer’s, decreases.
Experts also recommend maintaining connections with friends and family and continually challenging the brain, such as by learning a new language, preparing fresh meals, or starting a new hobby.
Occasional forgetfulness of a restaurant name or leaving keys behind is usually not worrisome, and cognitive changes can be part of normal aging. But if these changes interfere with daily life, cause trouble in conversation, lead to getting lost on familiar routes, or make previously easy tasks difficult, it is recommended to consult a doctor about the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia.