Study Shows Relationship between Sleep and Alzheimer’s Risk

(Providence, RI), May, 2019 – A new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer Association indicates that a certain class of molecules may help with diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. A group of researchers from King's College in London found that the level of the fatty molecules which induce sleep in blood were higher in those participants in the study with amyloid in the brain, the peptide used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

The amyloid peptide forms plaques in the brain that are toxic to nerve cells. Plaque accumulation is thought to start many years before the appearance of symptoms such as memory loss.

“Having regular and healthy sleep patterns is one of several ways that overall healthy living reduces the risk of cognitive decline,” said Donna M. McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter “It is never too late to make lifestyle changes that have immediate impacts on our overall health, particularly as people age.”

Researchers hope that this study could open the way for new treatments. There was also hope that a reliable diagnostic test could be used to identify people at risk. A blood test is being considered.

"A much-needed pre-requisite for new treatments for Alzheimer's disease is a reliable diagnostic test that could be used to identify people at risk,” said Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley, the lead researcher on the study at King’s College. “A blood test would be cheaper than measuring amyloid in the brain and easier to do than a spinal tap. There is more work to be done. So far, we have measured these molecules in nearly 600 participants, and hope to expand to the thousands to establish if a new diagnostic test in blood is indeed possible.”
Besides getting quality sleep, the Alzheimer’s Association shares nine other goals to consider in its “10 Ways to Love Your Brain,” which include exercise, reading, quitting smoking, being heart healthy, protect your head and body from injury, eat a healthy diet, taking care of mental health, staying socially engaged and challenge your mind.
The sleep study can be found at alzheimersanddementia.com/

About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.