Warning over common early sign of Alzheimer's found during sleep
Researchers have delivered a sobering message about our sleep habits, suggesting that an unusual pattern in dreaming may be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. A study from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing examined 128 individuals sleeping within a neurology clinic to delve into this trend.
Approximately half of the subjects were diagnosed with Alzheimer's, a third had 'mild cognitive impairment', and the remaining participants displayed 'normal' cognitive functioning. The researchers' goal was to investigate how cognitive abilities are linked to nocturnal brain activity by monitoring brainwaves, eye movements, and heart rates.
The findings revealed that individuals with Alzheimer's tended to enter the 'REM sleep' phase—known for being rich in dreams—later than those without the condition. Other individuals with delayed REM also had more toxic proteins than those who entered REM less than 98 minutes after dozing off.
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This specifically refers to 16% more 'amyloid' and 29% more 'tau', which are both related to a worsened risk of Alzheimer's disease. Associate professor Yue Leng of the University of California San Francisco, a senior author of the paper, explained: "The delay in REM sleep disrupts the brain’s ability to consolidate memories by interfering with the process that contributes to learning and memory.
"If it is insufficient or delayed, it may increase the stress hormone cortisol." Amidst these findings, scientists are now urging people to practice 'healthy sleeping habits' which can help ease the transition from light to REM sleep.
Avoiding heavy drinking, as well as receiving treatment for conditions like sleep apnoea and regular exercise can help with this. Rosey Davidson, a leading sleep consultant at Just Chill Baby Sleep, previously told the Mirror: "Exercise plays a key role in promoting better sleep, through its positive impact on both physical and mental health.
"Engaging in regular physical activity helps regulate the body's internal clock - circadian rhythm - which governs the sleep-wake cycle. Exercise can reduce cortisol (our stress hormone) and release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Both of these things will contribute to a better night's sleep."
Dr Dantao Peng of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital added: "Patients taking certain antidepressants and sedatives that reduce REM sleep should discuss their concerns with their doctor, if they are worried about Alzheimer's."
What is dementia?
Dementia is a general term referring to various conditions associated with the progressive decline of brain function. Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia are among them.
Symptoms during the onset of dementia may include:
Difficulty concentrating
Being confused about time and place
Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
Mood changes.
Memory loss
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms you should speak to a GP.