Researchers have found that deep sleep may play a crucial role in forestalling slow declines in brain health that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. A study published in May 2023, involving 62 older, cognitively healthy adults, suggests that individuals with brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s performed better on memory function tests as they got more deep sleep.
The study found that those with similar Alzheimer’s-linked changes who failed to get as much deep sleep didn’t fare as well on the same tests. This implies that having a generous amount of solid shut-eye could help support the decline in memory that sets in as dementia begins to take hold. Dr. Matthew Walker, a neuroscientist at UC Berkeley, stated that “deep sleep almost like a life raft that keeps memory afloat” and that it can be improved through lifestyle changes.
The study’s findings echo previous research on amyloid-beta proteins, which are commonly used as a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. While poor sleep is both a risk factor for and a symptom of the disease, researchers suggest that getting enough deep sleep may help preserve cognitive function even with high levels of amyloid-beta proteins. The study highlights the importance of improving sleep quality, rather than relying on sleeping pills, which can have side effects.
To improve deep sleep, Dr. Zsófia Zavecz recommends cutting out coffee late in the day, doing some exercise, avoiding screen time, and taking a hot shower before bed. While there is still much to be learned about Alzheimer’s disease, this study suggests that getting enough deep sleep may be a crucial factor in preventing cognitive decline.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/theres-a-critical-thing-we-can-all-do-to-keep-alzheimers-symptoms-at-bay