Varied research is going on throughout the world in order to find the cause and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Bloomberg School have reported that the elders who often feel sleepy during day time are three times more prone to Alzheimer’s disease. These study findings were recently published in the journal named SLEEP.

Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to the development of beta-amyloid plaques in brain which results in the changes of nerve structure. The risk of this disease can be reduced by following proper exercise, diet as well as cognitive activities. Recently it was discovered that sleep pattern is also a major risk factor. Improper sleep can develop beta-amyloid protein accumulation in later stage of life. But the reason behind this mechanism is still unknown.

The research team came to know the role of sleep by conducting a periodic questionnaire study in order to find the risk factors for age related diseases. A small group from those who nap regularly were proceeded to PET scan, where the presence of beta-amyloid deposits was detected. Even animal and human studies showed the link between poor sleep and increased risk of AD.

Hence, Dr. Adam P. Spira, the lead investigator of this work concluded, “There is no cure yet for Alzheimer’s disease, so we have to do our best to prevent it… Prioritizing sleep may be one way to help prevent or perhaps slow this condition.”