Could subtle changes during sleep reveal vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease years before memory problems become noticeable? Researchers at ULiège, supported by the Stop Alzheimer's Foundation, are investigating whether the sleeping brain may contain early clues.
Scientists from the University of Liège (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
Researchers have spent years investigating connections between disturbed sleep and neurodegenerative diseases. The University of Liège study adds another piece to that research by suggesting that the relationship between sleep and Alzheimer's risk may begin well before recognizable symptoms emerge.
