Taking sleeping pills could reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.
Scientists discovered that people who popped the drugs before bedtime had fewer rogue brain proteins linked to the disease.
Poor sleep is linked to cognitive decline, with disturbed rest often an early sign of the disease. Many patients start experiencing it years before memory loss and confusion emerge.
During the study, researchers tracked 38 people who used suvorexant - a prescription medication sold under the brand name Belsomra - for two nights.
People who were given the highest dose had amyloid levels that were up to a fifth lower than other participants in their spinal fluid by the next morning.
Alzheimer’s disease begins when plaques of amyloid beta start building up - killing neurons. Years later a second protein called tau also forms into toxic tangles.
While the cause of Alzheimer's is not clear, previous research suggests a build-up of these proteins in the brain can slow down or kill off cells, leading to the disease.
Scientists say the results of the study are 'very encouraging' and could hint at a potential treatment of sleeping pills to slow or stop progression of dementia.
However, the researchers are not urging people to start taking the pills every night, as more extensive research is needed.
With no cure in sight, there is an increasing focus on lifestyle factors that reduce risk such as eating right and getting plenty of exercise - and sleep.
Senior author Professor Brendan Lucey, of Washington University in the United States, said: "This is a small, proof-of-concept study.
"It would be premature for people who are worried about developing Alzheimer's to interpret it as a reason to start taking suvorexant every night. We don't yet know whether long-term use is effective in staving off cognitive decline, and if it is, at what dose and for whom."
But he added: "Still, these results are very encouraging. This drug is already available and proven safe, and now we have evidence it affects the levels of proteins that are critical for driving Alzheimer's disease." Disturbed sleep can be an early sign. Many patients start experiencing it years before memory loss and confusion emerge.
According to charity Dementia UK, there are four different types of dementia disorders which affect the brain differently.
The four types of dementia are known as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Lewy body dementia
Early signs of Alzheimer's disease
According to Alzheimer's Society, these are common early symptoms:
- Memory problems
Thinking and reasoning difficulties
Language problems
Changes in mood
Changes to how things are seen and heard
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