Like heart disease, dementia is one of the most prevalent causes of death across the world. One of its most common forms is Alzheimer’s disease, which is characterized by a disruption of circadian rhythms. These are the physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle, and are commonly associated with sleep disturbances.
Now, a new study from researchers in New York suggests there may be a relationship between these disruptions and the development of Alzheimer’s.
The disease is associated with neuroinflammation and proteins that form plaque buildup between neurons, throwing a wrench into normal cell function. Typically, immune cells act as a cleanup crew. But when this process, called phagocytosis [fa·gow·sai·tow·suhs)], is interrupted by unusual sleep patterns, the proteins build up and disrupts healthy cell function.
In the study, researchers found molecules on the cell surface, known as heparan, responded to circadian rhythms. When heparan levels were higher, cleanup of plaque buildup decreased. When researchers introduced an enzyme that broke heparan down, phagocytosis increased.
Consequently, researchers believe that controlling our circadian rhythms could help control inflammatory conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. As people age, circadian rhythms disappear — and this is more common in patients with the neurodegenerative disease.
In the future, researchers plan to investigate how this regulation occurs — and find a way to control it therapeutically. For now, consider this a reminder that bedtimes benefit everyone — not just your cranky toddler.