A recent study suggests that delayed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that participants with delayed REM sleep had higher levels of toxic proteins like amyloid-beta and tau, which are linked to the disease, as well as lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
This disruption in REM sleep affects memory consolidation and hippocampus function, potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s. The study highlights that improving REM sleep quality through lifestyle changes, such as treating sleep apnea or avoiding heavy drinking, could be a preventive measure. This research adds to our understanding of how sleep disturbances may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, offering new insights into prevention and treatment strategies.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/rem-sleep-alzheimers-28385