OREGON — New research suggests there could be a link between a person’s sleeping patterns and their vulnerability to Alzheimer’s disease.
Jeffrey Iliff, a brain scientist at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland spoke with NPR on the study.
He told the news outlet the data on animal subjects showed the brain filters out toxins when they were asleep.
When they didn’t get enough, the toxins built up, damaging the brain.
It’s been known for years that there is some sort of connection between sleep and the disease, but it wasn’t until quite recently that scientist knew just how complicated that relationship was, reported NPR.
Iliff said scientists at the university are preparing to perform a new study with human subjects within the next year.
If proven to be correct, their research could help doctors identify those at risk for developing memory problems as well as potentially pave the way for new treatments.