Insomnia can lead to dementia

Clumps of proteins in the brain called platelets are thought to be one of the main causes of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Scientists found that when the first platelets appeared, the mice began having problems sleeping.

If the link between mouse insomnia and brain disorders is confirmed, and if similar results are obtained in studies of human insomnia, doctors will have an effective tool for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The earlier signs of dementia are detected, the more effective the treatment of the disease. Often, mental fog and memory loss become noticeable at such a late stage of the disease that it is no longer possible to restore the damaged areas of the brain.

Therefore, it is incredibly important for researchers to learn how to diagnose the disease in the early stages. “If people also have sleep problems in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, then we will have a simple tool to determine it,” explained Professor David Holtzman, who took part in this project.

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