Could Sleep Medications Offer a New Hope in Preventing Tau Protein Buildup in the Brain?

Common insomnia treatment may help prevent Alzheimer’s-related brain damage, according to animal studies.

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Key Points:

• Up to 70 million people worldwide suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia.
• Poor sleep quality has been linked to increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
• A new animal study suggests that a common sleep aid could protect the brain from tau protein buildup, a hallmark of neurodegeneration.

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The Link Between Sleep and Brain Health

Sleep disorders negatively impact overall health, affecting concentration, mental health, and increasing risks for conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and dementia. Experts indicate that sleep issues may precede Alzheimer’s symptoms by years, as sleep disruption elevates amyloid and tau proteins in the brain.

Dr. David M. Holtzman of Washington University highlights that disrupted sleep can increase levels of abnormal tau, which forms damaging tangles in brain cells, ultimately leading to cell death and cognitive decline.

Insights from Recent Research

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience explored the effects of a sleep medication called lemborexant (brand name Dayvigo), a dual orexin receptor antagonist that promotes sleep by blocking the wakefulness-promoting orexin protein.

In mice genetically prone to tau buildup, lemborexant not only improved sleep but also prevented tau accumulation and reduced brain inflammation. Treated mice showed a 30-40% increase in hippocampal volume, suggesting less neurodegeneration.

How Does Lemborexant Work?

Samira Parhizkar, PhD, explains that lemborexant works by blocking orexin, a protein that keeps us alert. This allows for easier sleep onset. The study showed that this medication helped prevent tau protein from aggregating in the brain, a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease.

Potential Neuroprotective Effects

By decreasing tau buildup and inflammatory response, lemborexant may protect brain structure and function. This includes maintaining hippocampal volume, which is critical for memory and spatial navigation.

Expert Opinions

While findings are promising, Dr. Gary Small emphasizes that human clinical trials are essential to determine safety and efficacy. He notes that improving sleep quality and preventing tau accumulation could offer a twofold benefit: reducing Alzheimer’s risk and managing insomnia.

Future Directions

This research opens doors to innovative treatments targeting both sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. If similar benefits are observed in humans, medications like lemborexant could revolutionize preventive strategies against Alzheimer’s disease.

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Sources:

• Nature Neuroscience
• Washington University School of Medicine
• Additional insights from Dr. Gary Small

Note: Further research and clinical trials are required to confirm these findings in humans.