Lack of Deep Sleep May Set the Stage For Alzheimer's

"There's growing evidence that a lack of sleep can leave the brain vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease."

"'Changes in sleep habits may actually be setting the stage' for dementia, says Jeffrey Iliff, a brain scientist at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland."

"The brain appears to clear out toxins linked to Alzheimer's during sleep, Iliff explains. And, at least among research animals that don't get enough solid shut-eye, those toxins can build up and damage the brain."

"Iliff and other scientists at OHSU are about to launch a study of people that should clarify the link between sleep problems and Alzheimer's disease in humans."

"It has been clear for decades that there is some sort of link. Sleep disorders are very common among people with Alzheimer's disease."