A new study has revealed that slower REM sleep could be a potential warning sign for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers discovered that individuals with delayed REM sleep have higher levels of toxic proteins, such as amyloid and tau, which are linked to the disease, while also having lower levels of protective proteins.
Sleep stages progress through three non-REM (NREM) phases before reaching REM sleep, which is crucial for memory consolidation. Younger adults typically transition into REM sleep more quickly than older adults, who may experience delayed or insufficient REM sleep.
The study, published in *Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association*, involved 128 participants aged an average of 70 years. Half had Alzheimer’s disease, one-third had mild cognitive impairment, and the rest had normal cognition.
Participants slept overnight at a clinic, allowing researchers to measure their brain activity, including REM sleep duration. Early sleepers reached REM sleep within 98 minutes on average, while delayed sleepers took over 193 minutes. Those with Alzheimer’s disease were more likely to experience delayed REM sleep and had higher levels of amyloid and tau proteins.
Amyloid and tau proteins are known biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease, and their elevated levels could explain the connection between REM sleep delay and the condition. Additionally, those with delayed REM sleep showed a significant drop in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that declines in Alzheimer’s patients.
Lead researcher Dr. Yue Leng emphasized the importance of understanding the link between sleep patterns and Alzheimer’s disease. She suggested that medications influencing sleep or lifestyle changes to improve REM sleep quality could be potential interventions.
For those concerned about Alzheimer’s risk, maintaining healthy sleep habits is crucial. Tips include treating conditions like sleep apnea and avoiding heavy alcohol intake, which can disrupt sleep cycles. Additionally, patients taking certain antidepressants or sedatives may need to discuss their concerns with healthcare providers.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/new-study-finds-delayed-rem-sleep-could-be-an-early-warning-for-alzheimers