Scientists Think These Brain Changes May Link Insomnia To Dementia

InsomniaWe’re still not quite sure how sleep affects dementia and vice versa, though some researchers think the two might be linked.For instance, poor kip in midlife is associated with a higher risk of developing the condition, though that doesn’t prove one causes the other. And a recent study suggested that people with “chronic” insomnia (ie who struggled to sleep for at least three nights a week over a period of at least three months) might be at a 20% higher risk, too.And though it was not proven in the paper, the authors suggested some causes that may help to explain the link.Why do scientists think insomnia increases dementia risk?In this study, 2,750 participants with an average age of 70 were tracked for 5.6 years. All were dementia-free at the start. Throughout the study, researchers conducted memory and thinking tests as well as brain scans. They also looked at participants’ sleep habits. They found that chronic insomnia appeared to be linked to a 40% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment, which can be a precursor to dementia. The authors hypothesised that this was thanks to certain brain changes linked to poor sleep.“Our results suggest that insomnia may affect the brain in different ways, involving not only amyloid plaques, but also small vessels supplying blood to the brain,” study author Dr Diego Z. Carvalho said. The buildup of amyloid plaque proteins and poorer heart and vessel health are independently linked to increased dementia risk.“This reinforces the importance of treating chronic insomnia – not just to improve sleep quality but potentially to protect brain health as we age. Our results also add to a growing body of evidence that sleep isn’t just about rest – it’s also about brain resilience.”Does this prove why sleep and dementia affect one another?No, not for sure. It was an observational study and did not attempt to prove that chronic insomnia definitely caused dementia – it just found a link. And the researchers acknowledged that because the reports of insomnia came from medical records, undiagnosed cases might not be counted, and the paper didn’t account for levels of severity. But Alzheimer’s Society still recommends following healthy lifestyle advice if you can, including trying to get seven to nine hours a sleep if possible.Related...There's Probably No 'Safe' Level Of Drinking, Dementia Study FindsThis Much Reading May Reduce Dementia Risk'Take Your Dementia Meds': Gavin Newsom Fires Back At Trump With New List Of 'Lies'

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