A new study has shown that brain waves during deep sleep may provide protection against the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
An international research team monitored the brain waves and sleep cycles of 60 participants aged 60 and over who were diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's throughout the night. The next morning, scientists examined samples of cerebrospinal fluid taken from the participants and analyzed the levels of a chemical messenger called 'orexin' that regulates the sleep-wake balance. The cognitive states of the participants were followed for three years.
'DEEP SLEEP SIGNALS MAY SLOW THE COURSE OF THE DISEASE'
The findings showed that patients with high levels of 'orexin' in their cerebrospinal fluid experienced a faster deterioration of Alzheimer's symptoms within three years. However, in patients with stronger slow-wave brain activity that enhances memory during the deep sleep phase (NREM), the progression of the disease was found to be much slower despite high 'orexin' levels.
'MAY SHED LIGHT ON NEW TREATMENT METHODS'
Experts stated that approaches that improve deep sleep quality and balance 'orexin' levels could help clear toxic proteins (amyloid and tau) from the brain that lead to memory loss in Alzheimer's patients.
The research noted that the 'orexin' levels in female patients were significantly higher compared to males, and it was expressed that treatments aimed at improving sleep quality and balancing 'orexin' levels could open a new door in slowing down the Alzheimer's process.
