The Reciprocal Interaction Between Sleep and Alzheimer's Disease
Samuel S Harris1, Tom Schwerd-Kleine1, Byung Il Lee1
1UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|November 13, 2021
Summary
Disordered sleep patterns in neurodegenerative diseases may drive disease progression, not just result from it. Targeting sleep could offer new therapeutic avenues for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Gerontology
Background:
- Neurodegenerative diseases frequently present with disrupted sleep-wake patterns.
- Sleep disturbances were traditionally viewed as consequences of neurodegeneration in key brain regions.
- Emerging evidence suggests sleep deficits may actively contribute to disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the bidirectional relationship between sleep/circadian dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
- To highlight sleep as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.
- To review the impact of impaired sleep on brain pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on sleep, circadian rhythms, and neurodegeneration.
- Analysis of studies investigating the impact of sleep on neuronal activity, brain clearance, protein aggregation, and inflammation.
- Focus on research concerning Alzheimer's disease as a model neurodegenerative condition.
Main Results:
- Impaired sleep can negatively affect neuronal function and brain waste clearance.
- Sleep deficits are linked to increased pathological protein accumulation and neuroinflammation.
- A reciprocal interaction exists between disrupted sleep/circadian patterns and Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Conclusions:
- Sleep impairments may be pathophysiological drivers, not just symptoms, of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Altered sleep patterns represent potential dynamic biomarkers for proteinopathies.
- Non-invasive interventions targeting sleep may offer novel therapeutic strategies for early intervention.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
292
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
292
01:11Understanding Sleep
776
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
776
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
488
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
488
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
740
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
740
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
1.9K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
1.9K
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
238
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
238