Scientists discover key sign you could be developing Alzheimer's disease
Experts studying the risk of developing Alzheimer's have warned about a link between the illness and sleep.
While a common condition for those in the UK who are over the age of 65, it is a rare disease to develop under this age.
In 2024, 28-year-old Jordan Adam appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain where he bravely revealed he had early onset dementia in his twenties.
Now, this new study coming out of the University of California, San Fransisco (UCSF) has revealed a link between issues with sleep and symptoms of the illness. Published this week, it warns about how to spot it yourself at any age.
Advert
Alzheimer's disease and sleep
Peer-reviewed research from UCSF was published this week and looked at the relationship between the quality, and the amount, of sleep we get and how it may influence the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The study suggests that people who take significantly longer to start the dream phase of sleep - a period of sleep that is known as rapid eye movement (REM) - may be experiencing an early symptom of the disease.
When experiencing REM sleep, people have increased brain activity, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
REM sleep is also associated with vivid dreaming, with the brain's activity very similar to what it is like when you are awake.
Older people take longer to reach REM; so if you're finding it difficult to get to the REM stage of sleep at a younger age, there is a chance of a greater link.
"During REM sleep the brain processes memories, especially those that are emotionally charged, and puts them into long-term storage," the study says.
Why REM sleep is needed for brain health
"The delay in REM sleep disrupts the brain’s ability to consolidate memories by interfering with the process that contributes to learning and memory," says Yue Leng, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF.
"If it is insufficient or delayed, it may increase the stress hormone cortisol.
"This can impair the brain’s hippocampus, a critical structure for memory consolidation."
Monitoring REM and improving it
There are many ways you can monitor your REM and improve it to help with your brain function.
The study notes that melatonin can boost REM sleep; this is a hormone that helps regulate your sleep and is something you can be prescribed.
People who are concerned about their risk for Alzheimer’s should practice healthy sleep habits that facilitate the transition from light sleep to REM sleep.
“This includes treating conditions like sleep apnea and avoiding heavy drinking, since both can interfere with a healthy sleep cycle,” said Dantao Peng, MD, of the Department of Neurology at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, who is also a senior author of the paper.
"Patients taking certain antidepressants and sedatives that reduce REM sleep should discuss their concerns with their doctor, if they are worried about Alzheimer’s."
According to the Sleep Foundation, you should develop a sleep schedule you maintain every day. We're talking about the same bedtime and same time you get up in the morning. It also stresses the importance of avoiding caffeine and tobacco as well as alcohol.
A cool, dark and quiet bedroom is also advised alongside regular exercise when out and about.
Outside of that there are also a number of apps you can download to your phone that help with tracking this.
Tom Earnshaw