Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
Published on: September 22, 2020
A hypnic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease
Camilla N Clark1, Jason D Warren
1Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
Background:
Understanding the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is of fundamental importance for improved diagnosis, monitoring and ultimately, treatment.
Objective:
A role for the sleep-wake cycle in the pathogenesis of AD has been proposed, but remains to be worked out in detail.
Methods:
Here we draw together several lines of previous work to outline a 'hypnic hypothesis' of AD.
Results:
We propose that altered function of brainstem neurotransmitter pathways associated with sleep, promotes regionally specific disintegration of a cortico-subcortical 'default mode' brain network that is selectively vulnerable in AD.
Conclusion:
The formation of a dynamic toxic state within this vulnerable network linked to sleep-wake disruption, would in turn lead to failure of synaptic repair, increased transmission of pathogenic misfolded proteins and a self-amplifying neurodegenerative process. We consider the evidence for this hypnic hypothesis and the implications that follow on from it.
More Related Videos
07:03Evaluation of Hemisphere Lateralization with Bilateral Local Field Potential Recording in Secondary Motor Cortex of Mice
Published on: July 31, 2019
14:57Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology
Published on: March 23, 2011
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Dementia l: Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge: