Scientists Found An Association Between Lack Of Sleep And Alzheimer's Disease

The main cause of Alzheimer's disease as a form of senile dementia is accumulations of amyloid protein, which causes inflammation and death of nerve cells. The first sign of disease is often a deterioration of short-term memory.

The researchers from the Medical School at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method that allows you to monitor the level of amyloid protein by continuous analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). As a result of experiments with mice there found that during sleep the concentration of protein decreases. And if the test subject was deprived of sleep, the level of amyloid, from which the plaque significantly increased. According to the scientists, the content of amyloid protein may be associated with brain activity, which is higher than during wakefulness.

The link between lack of sleep and dementia may also occur in humans, researchers warn. This is the most dangerous in the middle age, when plaques in the brain are beginning to be formed, but the symptoms manifest only after several years, so the researchers recommend that people sleep more, especially in middle age.

Previously, specialists proved that senile dementia might prevent one or two glasses of wine, two glasses of apple juice or five cups of coffee a day. Substances contained in these drinks, inhibit production of beta-amyloid - the protein, increases the level of which causes the formation of plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's disease.

Also, it is well-known that the active ingredient of marijuana - delta-9-tetragidrokannabiol (THC) may prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease, keeping at a proper level of importance for the functioning of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

In addition, for the prevention of senile dementia, the scientists advised to try not to work overtime and as little as possible to get nervous.