Study Reveals Reduced Slow-Wave Sleep with Age May Heighten Dementia Risk

Study Reveals Reduced Slow-Wave Sleep with Age May Heighten Dementia Risk 

A recent study suggests that the loss of slow-wave sleep as individuals age may significantly increase their risk of developing dementia. This research, published in JAMA Neurology, emphasizes the potential consequences of aging on deep sleep, with a particular focus on adults aged 65 and older and Black adults who are at greater risk.

Slow-wave sleep, the third stage of sleep, plays a vital role in brain health. During this phase, the body clears potentially harmful materials from the brain, including beta-amyloid protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

The study aimed to investigate the connection between chronic reductions in slow-wave sleep and dementia risk, as well as whether dementia-related processes in the brain might contribute to reduced slow-wave sleep.

Results from the study, which involved 346 participants from the Framingham Heart Study, revealed that each percentage decrease in slow-wave sleep per year was associated with a 27% increased risk of dementia and a 32% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease dementia. The loss of slow-wave sleep accelerated after the age of 60, peaking between 75 and 80, and then slowing.

Individuals who experienced a decline in deep sleep were more likely to have cardiovascular disease, use medications that impact sleep, and carry a gene associated with Alzheimer's risk (the APOE ε4 allele).

While this study underscores the importance of sleep quality and its impact on cognitive decline and dementia, it does not definitively establish that the loss of slow-wave sleep causes dementia. It is possible that dementia-related processes in the brain may lead to sleep disturbances, creating a potential "vicious cycle."

Experts suggest that monitoring sleep quality, in addition to the total duration of sleep, is crucial for maintaining brain health. Prioritizing good-quality sleep can be beneficial in protecting the brain as individuals age. Those experiencing sleep problems are encouraged to consult with a healthcare professional for tailored solutions.

Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, noted that the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain may disrupt sleep, especially in older adults. This could lead to a cycle of Alzheimer's pathology, highlighting the importance of developing drugs aimed at reducing amyloid production.

To enhance sleep quality and potentially mitigate dementia risk, experts recommend regular exercise, reduced alcohol and caffeine intake before bedtime, and consistent sleep patterns, aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Using tracking devices to monitor sleep stages may provide valuable insights for individuals at risk of dementia.

While tracking devices are not flawless, they can offer real-time information to individuals and their physicians, enabling proactive measures to protect brain health.