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Neurodegeneration and the Circadian Clock
1Department of Psychology, Bishop's UniversitySherbrooke, QC, Canada.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
|June 15, 2017
Summary
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's share disrupted circadian rhythms. The molecular clockwork may influence disease progression, suggesting circadian-oriented treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), and Huntington's diseases (HDs) share common symptoms despite varied causes.
- Abnormal circadian rhythms (sleep, hormone release, antioxidant production) are early indicators in these diseases.
- The molecular mechanisms of the circadian system are implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common circadian abnormalities in AD, PD, and HD.
- To summarize evidence linking the molecular circadian clockwork to disease progression.
- To explore potential circadian-oriented interventions for these neurological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on circadian rhythms in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Synthesis of evidence on the role of molecular circadian clock mechanisms.
- Exploration of proposed therapeutic interventions targeting circadian rhythms.
Main Results:
- Consistent circadian rhythm disturbances are observed across AD, PD, and HD.
- The molecular circadian clockwork appears to directly influence the natural history of these diseases.
- Circadian dysfunction is an early and potentially causal factor in neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythm disruption is a shared hallmark of major neurodegenerative diseases.
- Targeting the molecular circadian clock offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Circadian-oriented interventions warrant further investigation for treating AD, PD, and HD.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseHuntington’s diseaseParkinson’s diseasecircadian rhythmsclock genesneurodegenerationsleepMore Related Videos
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