New research has found people who show a specific sleeping pattern have more toxic proteins related to Alzheimer’s disease
Scientists have issued a stark warning about the way we sleep, claiming that one lesser-known dreaming pattern could be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s. The study, conducted at Beijing’s China-Japan Friendship Hospital, analysed 128 people as they snoozed within the confines of a neurology clinic.
Around half of the participants had Alzheimer’s and a third suffered from ‘mild cognitive impairment’, while the rest exhibited ‘normal’ levels of brain cognition. The team were keen to better understand the role of cognitive function in overnight activity, analysing brainwaves, eye movement and heart rate across individuals.
Interestingly, they found that people with Alzheimer’s were more likely to experience a delayed period of ‘REM sleep’ – the stage in which we typically dream. Others who entered REM more than 98 minutes after dozing off showed elevated levels of toxic proteins too.
This specifically refers to 16% more ‘amyloid’ and 29% more ‘tau’, which are both related to a worsened risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Associate professor Yue Leng of the University of California San Francisco, a senior author of the paper, explained: “The delay in REM sleep disrupts the brain’s ability to consolidate memories by interfering with the process that contributes to learning and memory.
“If it is insufficient or delayed, it may increase the stress hormone cortisol.” In light of these findings, researchers are now urging people to practice ‘healthy sleeping habits’ which can help ease the transition from light to REM sleep.
Steering clear of heavy drinking, as well as receiving treatment for conditions like sleep apnoea and exercising regularly can help with this. Rosey Davidson, a leading sleep consultant at Just Chill Baby Sleep, previously told the Mirror: “Exercise plays a key role in promoting better sleep, through its positive impact on both physical and mental health.
“Engaging in regular physical activity helps regulate the body’s internal clock – circadian rhythm – which governs the sleep-wake cycle. Exercise can reduce cortisol (our stress hormone) and release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Both of these things will contribute to a better night’s sleep.”
Meanwhile, Dr Dantao Peng of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital added: “Patients taking certain antidepressants and sedatives that reduce REM sleep should discuss their concerns with their doctor, if they are worried about Alzheimer’s.”
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term, referring to various conditions linked with the ongoing decline of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia are among them.
Early signs of dementia may include:
- Memory loss
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms you should speak to a GP.
