Your sleep may be hiding an early clue to Alzheimer’s
A study from the University of Liège suggests that frequent nighttime micro-awakenings in middle-aged adults may be linked to a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. These findings could eventually lead to new methods for identifying individuals at risk before cognitive symptoms appear.
Why it matters
Early detection of Alzheimer's risk factors could allow for earlier intervention and better management of the disease.
Could subtle changes during sleep reveal vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease years before memory problems become noticeable? Researchers at ULi ge, supported by the Stop Alzheimer's Foundation, are investigating whether the sleeping brain may contain early clues.
Scientists from the University of Li ge (GIGA Neurosciences) examined sleep patterns in more than 500 healthy people. Among participants in middle age, more frequent nighttime micro awakenings were associated with a higher genetic risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. That relationship was not detected among younger adults.
The findings, published in the journal Sleep , raise the possibility that sleep measurements could eventually help researchers identify people who may be more vulnerable to Alzheimer's before symptoms develop.
Looking for Alzheimer's Clues Before Symptoms
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