Alzheimer’s
disease (AD) is a multifactorial disease, and
it has become a serious health problem in the world. Senile plaques
(SPs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are two main pathological
characters of AD. SP mainly consists of aggregated β-amyloid
(Aβ), and NFT is formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein.
Sleep–wake disorders are prevalent in AD patients; however,
the links and mechanisms of sleep–wake disorders on the AD
pathogenesis remain to be investigated. Here, we referred to the sleep–wake
disorders and reviewed some evidence to demonstrate the relationship
between sleep–wake disorders and the pathogenesis of AD. On
one hand, the sleep–wake disorders may lead to the increase
of Aβ production and the decrease of Aβ clearance, the
spreading of tau pathology, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation.
On the other hand, the ApoE4 allele, a risk gene
for AD, was reported to participate in sleep–wake disorders.
Furthermore, some neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, glutamate,
serotonin, melatonin, and orexins, and their receptors were suggested
to be involved in AD development and sleep–wake disorders.
We discussed and suggested some possible therapeutic strategies for
AD treatment based on the view of sleep regulation. In general, this
review explored different views to find novel targets of diagnosis
and therapy for AD.