Lack of sleep was correlated with lower levels of cerebrospinal fluid, according to research described by the Miami Herald.
Researchers found that those who had more sleep problems, including worse self-reported sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, had consistently lower levels of cerebrospinal fluid.
The study authors did not say definitively that lack of sleep can help cause Alzheimer’s, but suggested those who are at risk should make a good night’s sleep more of a priority. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least seven hours of sleep.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting about 5 million people in the U.S. in 2013, according to the CDC. It can start with mild memory loss and severe cases can involve losing the ability to carry on a conversation or respond to your environment. Symptoms of the disease don’t tend to develop until after the age of 60, and risk increases with age.
