Research has revealed that a common sleeping pill, suvorexant, may help reduce the buildup of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted by scientists at Washington University in St. Louis found that participants who used the medication for just two nights experienced a reduction in levels of amyloid-beta and tau, two proteins known to accumulate in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s.
The study, published in the Annals of Neurology, examined a small group of 38 healthy middle-aged adults who showed no signs of cognitive impairment. Participants were treated with suvorexant or a placebo after cerebrospinal fluid samples were taken to measure protein levels. Results showed a decrease in amyloid-beta concentrations by 10 to 20 percent among those taking the medication, compared to the placebo group.
Understanding the Connection Between Sleep and Alzheimer’s
Sleep disturbances are increasingly recognized as potential early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, often appearing before memory loss and cognitive decline. Abnormal levels of amyloid-beta can peak before the onset of these symptoms, leading to the formation of plaques that hinder brain function. The current research suggests that promoting better sleep could offer a pathway to mitigate the effects of Alzheimer’s by allowing the brain to clear out toxic proteins accumulated during the day.
Brendan Lucey, neurologist at Washington University and lead author of the study, emphasized that while the findings are promising, it is too early for individuals concerned about Alzheimer’s to begin using suvorexant regularly. Prolonged use of sleeping pills can lead to dependency and may not provide the deep sleep required for optimal brain health. Previous research indicated a link between poor sleep quality and increased levels of tau and amyloid-beta.
The study involved monitoring participants’ sleep and collecting cerebrospinal fluid samples at intervals over a 36-hour period. While the sleeping pill did not significantly alter the quality of sleep, it did lead to a temporary reduction in hyperphosphorylated tau, a form of tau protein associated with neurodegeneration. This effect, however, reverted within 24 hours, indicating that further research is needed to assess the long-term implications of suvorexant on Alzheimer’s-related proteins.
Future Research Directions
The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence linking sleep quality to Alzheimer’s pathology. Despite decades of research focused on lowering amyloid levels as a treatment strategy, no effective therapies have emerged. This has sparked a re-evaluation of the factors contributing to the disease.
Lucey remains optimistic about the potential for developing drugs that leverage the sleep-Alzheimer’s connection. He advocates for improved sleep hygiene and treatment for sleep-related issues, such as sleep apnea, as beneficial for brain health at any age.
While the current study provides valuable insights, it highlights the need for more extensive research, particularly involving older populations, to evaluate the lasting effects of sleeping pills on protein levels associated with Alzheimer’s. As Lucey notes, “We’re not quite there yet,” but the hope remains that future advancements may offer new avenues for preventing cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
