Alzheimer’s disease remains a mysterious and complex condition, but researchers have discovered a potential link between poor sleep and worsening symptoms. A recent study found that using sleeping pills to improve sleep quality could reduce the build-up of toxic protein clumps in the brain.
Scientists from Washington University in St. Louis tested suvorexant, a common treatment for insomnia, on 38 middle-aged adults with no signs of cognitive impairment or sleep issues. The results showed that participants who took suvorexant experienced a slight drop in two proteins, amyloid-beta and tau, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The study suggests that promoting sleep may be an effective way to prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. By allowing the brain to flush out leftover proteins and waste products during sleep, it is possible to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
However, neurologist Brendan Lucey cautions that using sleeping pills as a preventative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is still a hazy prospect. While the study found that suvorexant reduced amyloid-beta levels by 10-20 percent, these effects were only seen with some forms of tau and did not last beyond 24 hours.
Lucey emphasizes the importance of improving sleep hygiene and seeking treatment for sleep problems like sleep apnea to maintain general brain health. He is hopeful that future studies will lead to the development of drugs that take advantage of the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease, but acknowledges that more research is needed to confirm these findings.
The study, published in Annals of Neurology, provides valuable insights into the relationship between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the potential benefits of improving sleep quality for brain health.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/a-common-sleeping-pill-could-reduce-buildup-of-alzheimers-proteins-study-finds