Sleep disturbances are a prevalent concern among individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, with experts indicating that these issues may arise prior to an official diagnosis.
In a recent study featured in the Annals of Neurology, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, examined the impact of sleep medication on the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Participating individuals who were administered suvorexant, a sleep aid marketed as Belsomra to treat insomnia, observed a reduction in Alzheimer’s proteins present in their cerebrospinal fluid.
Medical experts acknowledge that individuals with Alzheimer’s frequently experience disruptions in their sleep patterns, although it remains unclear whether poor sleep contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s or vice versa.
Dr. Raymond J. Tesi, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of INmune Bio, a biotechnology company in Boston specializing in immune-based Alzheimer’s therapies, noted, “Inadequate sleep may increase the susceptibility to Alzheimer’s and may also function as an initial symptom of the disease.”
Moreover, he emphasized, “Considering the common sleep difficulties experienced by Alzheimer’s patients, it is conceivable to propose a linkage between sleep and Alzheimer’s; however, the causality between the two remains uncertain.”
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is triggered by the accumulation of substances known as “plaques” and “tangles” in the brain. Plaques consist of beta-amyloid protein fragments that amass in the gaps between nerve cells, while tangles, composed of tau protein, impede the flow of essential nutrients and resources among brain cells. The onset of cognitive symptoms is typically concurrent with the formation of tangles.
As the disease progresses, levels of these proteins escalate. Research studies have indicated a correlation between heightened protein levels and disrupted sleep.
The sleep investigation conducted at Washington University involved 38 participants aged 45 to 65 without cognitive deficiencies or brain changes related to Alzheimer’s. The participants were divided into three groups: one group received a low dose of suvorexant, another received a high dose, and the third group was administered a placebo before bedtime.
Over a 36-hour period, researchers measured cerebrospinal fluid levels of Alzheimer’s proteins every two hours. Those who were administered the higher dose of the sleep medication displayed a reduction in protein levels ranging from 10% to 20% compared to the placebo group. There was no significant difference in protein levels observed in the group administered the lower dose. Protein levels decreased once more when the participants took a second dose of the sleep medication the subsequent night. Dr. Brendan Lucey, the lead researcher, an associate professor of neurology, and the director of Washington University’s Sleep Medicine Center in Saint Louis, stated in an email to Fox News Digital, “This indicates that consistent use of suvorexant over prolonged periods could diminish these proteins and possibly hinder or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.” “Further research is necessary to include studies involving longer-term administration of drugs such as suvorexant — spanning months, for example — during which we can monitor potential decreases in amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau,” he explained.
The results align with previous research indicating a correlation between poor sleep and heightened levels of amyloid and tau in the brain, as highlighted by Dr. Percy Griffin, Director of Scientific Engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association based in Chicago, Illinois. “What is particularly noteworthy is the ability of a brief two-night intervention to impact these markers,” he shared with Fox News Digital.
Dr. Griffin continued, expressing, “Alzheimer’s disease and sleep exhibit a bidirectional relationship, where sleep disturbances may contribute to Alzheimer’s-related alterations, while these alterations can further disrupt sleep patterns. This study underscores the potential to intervene in this relationship, directly influencing the brain changes inherent to Alzheimer’s disease.”
Dr. Tesi also remarked, “The primary objective for Alzheimer’s treatment is halting cognitive decline. Even without a comprehensive understanding of how sleep aids may influence Alzheimer’s, any safe reduction in the rate of cognitive decline with their usage is significant. Regrettably, this study does not provide an answer to this inquiry.”
Furthermore, Dr. Tesi cautioned about potential side effects associated with the regular use of sleeping pills. “The ‘hangover’ effects of sleep medications are genuine and more pronounced for the elderly population suffering from Alzheimer’s,” he emphasized.
This initial study focused on a limited cohort of healthy, middle-aged individuals over a brief duration. Dr. Lucey, the lead investigator, is preparing for extended studies to explore whether sleep medication could mitigate early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in older individuals. “Future studies should consider administering drugs such as suvorexant for extended durations, expanding the participant pool, and including subjects showcasing biomarker evidence of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes, such as amyloid deposition,” informed Dr. Lucey in an interview with Fox News Digital. Pending validation by larger studies, Dr. Lucey expressed his intention to promptly progress to phase III trials to evaluate whether this drug class can forestall or slow down Alzheimer’s disease progression – especially given that suvorexant (and other dual orexin receptor antagonists) already holds FDA approval for managing insomnia. He regards the preliminary findings as highly promising but refrains from suggesting nightly sleep medication as a preventive measure for Alzheimer’s at present, clarifying that the study does not endorse suvorexant for this purpose. Dr. Lucey recommends individuals suffering from unrestorative or inadequate sleep to consult a healthcare professional to identify and address any underlying sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia. Emphasizing that managing sleep disorders may improve quality of life by diminishing daytime drowsiness and bolstering overall health, Dr. Lucey’s viewpoint is supported by Dr. Griffin from the Alzheimer’s Association, who advises those grappling with sleep issues to seek guidance from their healthcare provider before considering any medications.”
Research suggests that both the Mediterranean and MIND diets can reduce signs of Alzheimer’s in the brain.
Fresh research reveals that adopting the Mediterranean or MIND diets may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago examined the brains of 581 individuals who disclosed their dietary habits. Their findings, published in the journal Neurology, indicate that those who consumed plenty of leafy greens and adhered to these diets exhibited fewer Alzheimer’s-related signs in their brains. This underscores the significant impact of dietary choices on maintaining brain health in later years.
The Mediterranean diet, inspired by the healthy eating habits of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, like Italy and Greece, focuses on whole vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and olive oil as primary sources of fat. It includes moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy while limiting red meat, sweets, butter, and sugary drinks.
The MIND diet, developed by Dr. Martha Clare Morris and colleagues in 2015, combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets to support brain health in older adults.
The DASH diet, introduced by the American Heart Association in 1996 to lower blood pressure, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and low-fat dairy.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain. Plaques are made of beta-amyloid protein fragments that accumulate between nerve cells, while tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau that build up inside cells.
A new study suggests that early Alzheimer’s disease could be diagnosed through eye exams.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have discovered that our eyes may offer early clues about Alzheimer’s disease. By examining the retinas of deceased patients, they identified indicators of Alzheimer’s long before symptoms appear. These indicators include elevated levels of amyloid beta 42, a harmful protein, and specific types of cells. This breakthrough suggests that eye examinations could potentially serve as a non-invasive method for detecting Alzheimer’s at an early stage. It’s akin to obtaining a “brain fingerprint” through a simple eye scan. However, further research is necessary to validate the reliability of this approach. If proven effective, it could greatly benefit millions of individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the future.