Decoding the Inter-Relationship between Sleep Disorders and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by abnormally phosphorylated tau, paired helical filaments (PHFs), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), deregulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Aβ deposits, is a multifactorial disease with sleep disorders being one of the causative agents. Therefore, we have reviewed the literature and have tried to decode the existence of positive feedback, reciprocal and a bidirectional relationship allying between sleep disturbances and AD. Much light has been thrown on the role of tau pathology and amyloid pathology in sleep pathology and its association with AD pathology. We have also discussed the role of melatonin in regulating sleep disorders and AD. The neuroprotective action of melatonin via inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ deposition has also been pondered upon. Moreover, astrocytes involvement in aggravating AD has also been highlighted in this review. Several therapeutic approaches aimed at improving both sleep disorders and AD have been duly discussed such as administration of antidepressants and antihistamines, immunotherapy, metal chelators, melatonin supplementation, light therapy and physical activity. Despite consistent efforts, the complete etiology concerning sleep disorder and AD is still unclear. Therefore, further research is needed to unravel the mechanism involved and also to develop strategies that may help in obstructing AD in its preclinical stage.

A review on traditional Chinese medicine natural products and acupuncture intervention for Alzheimer’s disease based on the neuroinflammatory

“…Microglia [ 20 ] and astrocytes [ 21 , 22 ] are activated and induce the associated inflammatory response and OS, causing neuronal dysfunction and apoptosis, eventually leading to the development of AD [ 23 , 24 ]. Tau protein kinase 1 is also activated by Aβ, resulting in abnormal phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins and promoting the formation of paired helical filaments (PHFs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), thereby accelerating the development of AD [ 25 , 26 ].…”

Revitalizing your sleep: the impact of daytime physical activity and balneotherapy during a spa stay

“…Sleep quality can deteriorate due to various reasons, both physiological and pathological. For example, aging ( 4 ), stressful and anxious states ( 5 ), pathologies ( 6 , 7 ) and environmental or work conditions ( 8 , 9 ) could damage sleep quality. From the opposite point of view, long-lasting reduced sleep quality may also predispose individuals to or exacerbate chronic and degenerative diseases or pathologies ( 10 ).…”

Melatonin and Sleep Disturbances in Alzheimer’s Disease

“…So, treating SDs may be a prime concern to reduce AD complications [5]. As SDs are apparently correlated with melatonin insufficiencies in AD [20], it is hypothesized that treating AD patients with exogenous melatonin might reduce sleep complications of the patients [23]. Different studies have been done so far to determine whether exogenous melatonin can reduce SDs in AD.…”