The Bidirectional Relationship Between Sleep and Alzheimer's Disease

In the United States, approximately 6.7 million adults aged 65 and older are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. This long-term neurodegenerative condition is characterized by a decline in cognitive function and memory, and its prevalence is projected to double by 2060. While the exact causes of AD remain unknown, evidence points to multiple contributing factors, with sleep emerging as a significant and potentially reversible determinant. Sleep plays a critical role in the clearance of beta-amyloid (Aβ), a protein central to AD pathology. Disruptions to sleep, particularly a reduction in non-rapid eye movement (nREM) sleep, can impair the brain's natural waste removal processes and lead to Aβ accumulation. Furthermore, common sleep disorders like insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea exacerbate this process, accelerating disease progression. This review explores the critical, bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and Aβ pathology, highlighting the potential of sleep-focused interventions as a non-invasive strategy to slow the advancement of AD.