Researchers are sounding the alarm about our sleep patterns, indicating that an odd pattern in dreaming could signal early onset Alzheimer’s disease. A study from Beijing’s China-Japan Friendship Hospital took a closer look by observing 128 individuals’ sleep habits within a neurology clinic.
Close to half of the participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, about a third had ‘mild cognitive impairment’, while the rest showed ‘normal’ cognitive function. The researchers aimed to examine the connection between cognitive skills and overnight brain activity, monitoring brainwaves, eye movements, and heart rates during sleep.
What they found was quite telling: individuals with Alzheimer’s typically entered the dream-heavy ‘REM sleep’ stage later than those without the disorder. Additionally, those who experienced a delayed REM phase harboured more harmful proteins – specifically, 16% more ‘amyloid’ and 29% more ‘tau’, both strongly linked to an increased Alzheimer’s risk.
University of California San Francisco’s Associate Professor Yue Leng, a senior author on the paper, shed light on the disturbing implications, saying: “The delay in REM sleep disrupts the brain’s ability to consolidate memories by interfering with the process that contributes to learning and memory. If it is insufficient or delayed, it may increase the stress hormone cortisol.”
Amid these revelations, scientists are now encouraging individuals to adopt ‘healthy sleeping habits’ to support a smoother transition from light to REM sleep, , reports Surrey Live.. To aid in this transition, steps such as shunning excessive alcohol consumption, seeking treatment for conditions like sleep apnoea, and ensuring regular physical activity can prove beneficial.
Rosey Davidson, a respected sleep consultant at Just Chill Baby Sleep, previously told the Mirror: “Exercise plays a key role in promoting better sleep, through its positive impact on both physical and mental health.”
She went on to say: “Engaging in regular physical activity helps regulate the body’s internal clock – circadian rhythm – which governs the sleep-wake cycle. Exercise can reduce cortisol (our stress hormone) and release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Both of these things will contribute to a better night’s sleep.”
Dr Dantao Peng of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital also noted: “Patients taking certain antidepressants and sedatives which reduce REM sleep should discuss their concerns with their doctor, if they are worried about Alzheimer’s.”
Dementia is an umbrella term used for varying conditions characterised by a progressive decline in brain function. This includes Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia, among others.
Symptoms appearing at the beginning stages of dementia may include memory loss, difficulty with complex tasks, and changes in behaviour or personality. If you or someone close experiences these signs, consulting a GP is advised.