Alzheimer's Linked to Lack of Sleep

Reader Comments
Back to article

Worms are quite yummy. But there are still plenty around for late risers, too. (;-} Seriously, I think sleep itself has gotten a bad rap in our type-A, "do more with less" business culture. But it's essential to good health for a variety of important reasons, including fighting stress (which, we're learning, really is a killer!). So yes, sleep in if you're a night owl. I'm a morning person, so I go to bed early, but that's just my rhythm. Everyone's different.

Sam Gaines of NC 3:05PM October 28, 2009

It is important for patients and families affected by diseases such as Alzheimer’s to consider participating in clinical studies. One such study is the ICARA Study (www.icarastudy.com), whose goal is to explore if an investigational drug, called Bapineuzumab, can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Clinical studies that test new treatments are the best chance we have for fighting this disease. Current therapies for Alzheimer’s treat the symptoms associated with it, not the disease itself.

Laura_ICARAStudy of IL 11:54AM October 03, 2009

It's been mentioned that Alzheimer's has something to do with myelin in the brain.
Not sure how it affects the myelin sheath, but it sounds like a scary condition. Whatever protects against this, do keep reporting on it. The science stories in US News are just always excellent. Thanks for running them.

Angie Koutrotsios of IL 1:34AM September 27, 2009

As a natural night owl, who tends to sleep in late whenever possible, I often get flack from teasers who joke about the "early bird gets the worm" thing.
Not only are worms entirely non-desirable, but it turns out it's not only OK to sleep in, if needed, but it helps protect against this condition later in life.
Of course, it was mentioned that some are genetically predisposed, so that's understood, but even aside from predispositions, if you just need to sleep in late once in a while, feel absolutely NO GUILT for doing so. It's probably healthier.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Angie Koutrotsios of IL 1:31AM September 27, 2009

I don't want to get Alzheimer's.
(I don't know if this link is universally true or not, of course.
But we should remember that we did not know for decades all the things that aspirin is actually good for,.. and remember that the effect of Viagra was an accidental discovery while researching for something else.)

Muser of NM 3:29PM September 25, 2009

As the bard said, sleep "knits up the raveled sleave of care.''

dave of IN 12:01PM September 25, 2009

My father slept pretty well (sometimes he slept while you were talking) but he is in a nursing home because of Alzheimer's disease. This does not contradict the news item. But, my mother sleeps an average of 4 hours a day and she does not have any symptom of Alzheimer's disease.

kai dai of MD 10:38AM September 25, 2009

to say that the amount of sleep would play a link in the creation of Alzheimer I truely believe you have to enter in the activities which we human beings are more in depth than eating, procreating and sleep [rest for the creative working mind itself] what constitutes,spurs on science itself with some evolution, growth in knowledge. Personally sleep is a natural agent to promote overall health, add in the responsibilities and a course you set for yourself, goals, likes hobbies, quite times, family and friends if any are mighty additives than just " being a mouse doing what he aught to.

perrywinkle of FL 9:00AM September 25, 2009

This finally explains Grey's Anatomy!

Will of OH 9:27PM September 24, 2009

This DR. Mark Henein
My Mother died with Alzheimer , she sufferd for about 15 years , but before that her entire life she had sleep problems , I remember she was just sleeping 2-3 hours , she never slept 7 or 8 hourse and also had irrigular sleeping time ...
I think this study is true
I am very interested in the Alzheimer studeis....

Dr. Mark Hneein of NY 6:54PM September 24, 2009