Delayed REM Sleep Linked too Alzheimer’s Biomarkers, Study Finds
A groundbreaking study has revealed a meaningful connection between delayed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep onset and biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the research highlights how prolonged REM sleep latency may disrupt memory consolidation and increase the risk of neurodegenerative conditions.
The Study’s Key Findings
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Led by Yue Leng, PhD, of the University of california San Francisco, the study analyzed data from 128 adults aged 50 and older, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and normal cognition. participants underwent overnight polysomnography, amyloid PET scans, and plasma analyses to measure biomarkers such as phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau181), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurofilament light (NfL).
The results showed that individuals in the highest tertile of REM sleep latency—taking over 192.7 minutes to reach REM—had higher levels of amyloid-beta (β=0.08, P=0.002) and p-tau181 (β=0.19,P=0.002) compared to those in the lowest tertile, who reached REM in 98.2 minutes or less. Additionally, delayed REM sleep was associated with lower levels of BDNF (β = -0.47, P=0.013), a protein crucial 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,” Leng explained. “If it is indeed insufficient or delayed, it may increase the stress hormone cortisol, impairing the brain’s hippocampus, a critical structure for memory consolidation.”
Implications for Alzheimer’s Research
The study underscores the potential role of REM sleep in Alzheimer’s pathology. Recent research has also shown that alterations in REM sleep microstructure are linked to greater neurodegeneration and amyloid deposits in the brain.Interestingly, drugs targeting orexin receptors, such as Suvorexant (Belsomra), which is approved for insomnia, have been shown to reduce tau phosphorylation and amyloid-beta levels. Thes findings suggest that improving sleep quality, notably REM sleep, could be a promising avenue for Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment.
Summary of Key Findings
| Key metric | Highest REM Latency Tertile | Lowest REM Latency tertile |
|——————————-|———————————-|——————————–|
| Time to Reach REM Sleep | Over 192.7 minutes | 98.2 minutes or less |
| Amyloid-Beta Levels | Higher (β=0.08, P=0.002) | Lower |
| Phosphorylated Tau 181 Levels | Higher (β=0.19, P=0.002) | Lower |
| BDNF Levels | Lower (β = -0.47, P=0.013) | Higher |
What’s Next?
While the study provides compelling evidence linking delayed REM sleep to Alzheimer’s biomarkers,further research is needed to explore causal relationships and potential interventions. For now, prioritizing healthy sleep habits may be a simple yet effective way to support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Alzheimer’s research by exploring Alzheimer’s & Dementia and related studies on REM sleep alterations. your brain health could depend on it.New Study Explores Sleep Patterns and Alzheimer’s Biomarkers, Raises Questions About Long-Term Implications
A recent study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia has shed light on the potential relationship between sleep patterns and biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The research, led by Leng and colleagues, analyzed data adjusted for demographics, APOE4 status, cognition, and comorbidities. Interestingly, the associations observed did not vary based on APOE4 status or cognitive diagnosis, suggesting a broader relevance of the findings.
Though, the study’s cross-sectional design limits its ability to determine causality. “The direction of the findings could not be steadfast,” the researchers acknowledged. Additionally, the sample size within each diagnosis group was relatively small, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
One notable limitation is the reliance on a single night of sleep data. “The findings were also based on one night of sleep, which may not reflect habitual sleep patterns,” the authors noted. This raises questions about whether the observed patterns hold true over longer periods.
The study also highlighted the limitations of using p-tau181 as a biomarker. “P-tau181 is not as sensitive a marker as other plasma measures like p-tau217,” the researchers explained. This suggests that future studies could benefit from incorporating more sensitive biomarkers to strengthen their conclusions.
Supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China and the national Health Commission’s Key Project on Geriatric Health, the study underscores the importance of continued research into the interplay between sleep and neurodegenerative diseases.
| key Findings | Limitations |
|——————|—————–|
| Associations independent of APOE4 status or cognitive diagnosis | Cross-sectional design limits causality determination |
| Single night of sleep data may not reflect habitual patterns | small sample size in diagnosis groups |
| P-tau181 less sensitive than other biomarkers like p-tau217 | Reliance on one night of sleep data |
For more insights into the latest developments in neurology and neuroscience, follow Judy George on MedPage Today.
This study opens the door for further exploration into how sleep habits may influence Alzheimer’s biomarkers,offering a potential avenue for early intervention and prevention strategies. As research continues, understanding the nuances of these relationships will be critical in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.New Study Links REM Sleep Latency to alzheimer’s Biomarkers, Offering Potential Early Detection Tool
A groundbreaking study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia has uncovered a significant association between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency and multimodal biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The research, led by Jin J.and colleagues, sheds light on how sleep architecture, particularly the time it takes to enter REM sleep, could serve as an early indicator of AD and related dementias.
The study enrolled 128 participants, including 64 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, 41 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 23 cognitively normal adults. Researchers analyzed sleep patterns and correlated them with biomarkers such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins, which are hallmark indicators of AD.
“Our findings suggest that longer REM sleep latency is associated with higher levels of AD biomarkers,” the authors noted. This revelation could pave the way for non-invasive, sleep-based diagnostic tools to identify individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer’s before clinical symptoms manifest.
The Role of REM sleep in Alzheimer’s
REM sleep, the stage of sleep characterized by vivid dreams and rapid eye movements, is crucial for cognitive function and memory consolidation. Disruptions in REM sleep have long been observed in individuals with AD,but this study is among the first to directly link REM sleep latency—the time it takes to enter REM sleep—with specific biomarkers of the disease.
participants with longer REM latency were found to have higher levels of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in their cerebrospinal fluid. These proteins are known to accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
Implications for early Detection and intervention
The study’s findings could revolutionize how we approach Alzheimer’s diagnosis and prevention.Currently, AD is often diagnosed only after significant cognitive decline has occurred. By identifying sleep disturbances as an early warning sign, healthcare providers could intervene sooner, perhaps slowing disease progression.
“Sleep disturbances may be an early symptom during the preclinical stage of AD,” the researchers emphasized.This aligns with growing evidence that sleep plays a bidirectional role in Alzheimer’s, both as a symptom and a potential contributor to the disease’s progression.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Parameter | Findings |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| REM Sleep Latency | Longer latency associated with higher AD biomarkers |
| Participant Groups | 64 AD, 41 MCI, 23 cognitively normal adults |
| Biomarkers Analyzed | Amyloid-beta, tau proteins |
| Potential Application | Non-invasive early detection tool for Alzheimer’s |
Future Directions
While the study provides compelling evidence, further research is needed to validate these findings across larger and more diverse populations. Additionally, exploring the mechanisms underlying the relationship between REM sleep and AD biomarkers could open new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
For now, the study underscores the importance of monitoring sleep health as part of a thorough approach to brain health. As the global burden of Alzheimer’s continues to rise, innovations like this offer hope for earlier detection and more effective management of the disease.
To learn more about the study, visit the original publication in Alzheimer’s & dementia here.
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New Study links REM Sleep Latency to Alzheimer’s Biomarkers, Offering Potential Early Detection Tool
A groundbreaking study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia has uncovered a notable association between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency and multimodal biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The research, led by Jin J. and colleagues, sheds light on how sleep architecture, especially the time it takes to enter REM sleep, could serve as an early indicator of AD and related dementias.
The Role of REM Sleep in alzheimer’s
REM sleep, the stage of sleep characterized by vivid dreams and rapid eye movements, is crucial for cognitive function and memory consolidation. Disruptions in REM sleep have long been observed in individuals with AD, but this study is among the first to directly link REM sleep latency—the time it takes to enter REM sleep—with specific biomarkers of the disease.
participants with longer REM latency were found to have higher levels of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in their cerebrospinal fluid. These proteins are known to accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
Implications for Early Detection and Intervention
The study’s findings could revolutionize how we approach Alzheimer’s diagnosis and prevention. Currently, AD is frequently enough diagnosed only after significant cognitive decline has occurred. By identifying sleep disturbances as an early warning sign, healthcare providers could intervene sooner, perhaps slowing disease progression.
“Sleep disturbances might potentially be an early symptom during the preclinical stage of AD,” the researchers emphasized. This aligns with growing evidence that sleep plays a bidirectional role in Alzheimer’s, both as a symptom and a potential contributor to the disease’s progression.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Parameter | Findings |
|---|---|
| REM sleep Latency | Longer latency associated with higher AD biomarkers |
| Participant Groups | 64 AD, 41 MCI, 23 cognitively normal adults |
| biomarkers Analyzed | Amyloid-beta, tau proteins |
| Potential Submission | Non-invasive early detection tool for Alzheimer’s |
Future Directions
while the study provides compelling evidence, further research is needed to validate these findings across larger and more diverse populations. Additionally, exploring the mechanisms underlying the relationship between REM sleep and AD biomarkers could open new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
For now, the study underscores the importance of monitoring sleep health as part of a thorough approach to brain health. As the global burden of Alzheimer’s continues to rise, innovations like this offer hope for earlier detection and more effective management of the disease.
Learn more about the study in the original publication in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
Stay informed about the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s research by subscribing to our newsletter and joining the conversation on social media.
