The Link Between Loss of Deep Sleep and Increased Risk of Dementia

Loss of deep sleep has been linked with an increased risk of dementia, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Neurology. The study examined the relationship between slow-wave sleep, which is the deepest stage of sleep, and the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that aging was associated with a decline in slow-wave sleep, and individuals who experienced greater declines in this type of sleep had a higher risk of developing dementia. Slow-wave sleep is important for brain health as it helps remove unwanted materials, including the beta-amyloid protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study followed 346 participants over a 17-year period and found that each percentage decrease in slow-wave sleep per year was associated with a 27% increased risk of developing dementia and a 32% higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease dementia. The rate of slow-wave sleep loss accelerated from age 60, peaked between ages 75 and 80, and slowed afterward. Factors such as cardiovascular disease, medications that affect sleep, and a gene associated with Alzheimer’s risk were also associated with declines in deep sleep. The study highlights the importance of quality sleep for brain health and suggests that monitoring sleep quality may be important for predicting dementia risk. Experts recommend prioritizing good quality sleep and engaging in regular exercise to protect against dementia. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake before bed and maintaining consistent sleep patterns can also improve sleep quality.