Sleep Disturbances Are Linked to Deposition of β-Amyloid in the Brain

Reduced sleep efficiency increases deposition of β-amyloid over time.

β-amyloid is important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). A set of small vessels like lymphatics (called “glymphatics”) carry toxins away from the brain (NEJM JW Gen Med Aug 21 2018; [e-pub] and Nature 2018; 560:185) and “flush” β-amyloid from the brain during slow-wave, restorative sleep in rodents and, apparently, in humans (NEJM JW Gen Med Jan 15 2020 and Science 2019; 366:628).

Investigators from California obtained polysomnograms on 32 nondemented, healthy adults (average age, 75.5) and followed them for approximately 4 years with repeated positron-emission tomography to evaluate the burden of β-amyloid in the brain. Based on prior research, they postulated that both less slow-wave sleep (particularly slow waves in a particu…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Sleep Disturbances Are Linked to Deposition of β-Amyloid in the Brain

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Reviewing Author