Scientists to explore link between sleep and dementia at UEA sleep unit

Academics at the University of East Anglia are to explore the link between sleep and dementia at a special sleep unit.

Disturbed sleep is common in people with dementia but scientists want to find out whether it is Alzheimer’s that causes the sleep problems or whether the sleep problems are an early indicator of the disease.

The first study taking place in the unit will investigate whether healthy people who are at increased genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s could be more vulnerable to sleep loss and how their body clock is affected.

Lead researcher Dr Alpar Lazar, from UEA’s School of Health Sciences, said: “We live in an ageing society, and sleep disturbances and dementia are two significant health problems in older adults.

“A symptom of Alzheimer's is poor sleep. Good sleep is central to maintaining cognitive performance - such as attention and memory as well as general brain health. Sleep deficits have been shown to be early markers in certain brain disorders.

“But is it Alzheimer’s causing sleep problems, or do sleep problems modulate or contribute to the disease process?”

If scientists determine that sleep could be actively involved in the disease process then they can look at whether improving sleep could potentially slow down the disease process.

During the trials, volunteers will spend a night in the unit and can expect to stay in a modern hotel-like en-suite, with their every move monitored by a team of sleep specialists. They will also be hooked up to sensors measuring brain activity and take part in thinking, memory, balance, co-ordination, and attention tests throughout their stay.

“Volunteers will undertake a screening process, including genetic and psychological testing, wearing a small wrist-worn device to measure sleep and activity at home, and keeping a sleep diary.

“They will then take part in a three-night lab session under one of two conditions – including one night complete sleep deprivation, or taking multiple short naps.

“It may sound gruelling, but we hope it will help us understand more about the links between sleep, the body clock and the genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This will help design future studies investigating specific sleep related interventions that could potentially slow down the progression of the disease,” said Dr Lazar.

Local non-smoking healthy men and women aged 40-90 years are required for the study investigating the role of a risk gene for Alzheimer’s disease and sleep quality and memory functions. Payment is offered in compensation for time and inconvenience. The study team can be called on 01603 597539, or emailed on: sleep.brain@uea.ac.uk