A recent study has discovered a connection between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and Alzheimer’s disease. The research, conducted in China and published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia by the Alzheimer’s Association, examined the sleep patterns of 128 adults with varying levels of cognition.
The study revealed that individuals with the highest occurrence of REM latency, which is the delay in reaching the first REM period after falling asleep, were at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers suggested that prolonged REM latency could be a potential marker for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Dr. Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation in California, highlighted the significance of specific sleep features, like prolonged REM sleep, in relation to Alzheimer’s biomarkers. She mentioned that disruptions in sleep could contribute to the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins, which are key factors in Alzheimer’s pathology.
Dr. Giulio Taglialatela, vice president and research institute director of the Brain Health Institute at the University of Texas Medical Branch, emphasized the long-understood correlation between good sleep and a reduced risk of dementia. Taglialatela stated that the brain uses sleep to clear out toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s, and delays in entering the REM cycle could affect this cleaning process.
While the study had limitations, such as a small sample size and focus on a specific type of tau protein, the findings offer a promising avenue for predicting dementia risk. Early intervention in Alzheimer’s is crucial for delaying its progression, and measuring REM sleep could indicate individuals who may benefit from treatment before experiencing cognitive decline.
In terms of improving sleep quality, Dr. Troxel advised against fixating on metrics like REM sleep percentage and latency from consumer sleep trackers. Instead, she recommended focusing on foundational sleep habits, such as getting seven to nine hours of sleep, maintaining consistent sleep schedules, and minimizing disruptors like caffeine, alcohol, and screen use before bedtime.
Overall, prioritizing good sleep health is essential for supporting brain health and overall wellness. By following these tips and strategies, individuals can enhance their sleep quality and reduce the risk of cognitive decline associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Former President Donald Trump announced his plans to hold a rally in Iowa in early October, marking his return to the campaign trail as he continues to tease a potential 2024 presidential run.
Trump is set to headline the “Save America” rally in Des Moines on October 9, his campaign said in a statement Thursday.
“I am looking forward to being back in Iowa to hear firsthand about the concerns of the American people,” Trump said in the statement. “Our country is being destroyed before our very eyes, and that is why I am continuing to fight for the American people.”
The rally will mark Trump’s first trip to Iowa since he lost the state in the 2020 presidential election to President Joe Biden. Trump won Iowa by more than 8 percentage points in 2016.
The announcement of the rally comes as Trump continues to mull a potential 2024 presidential run. He has teased a potential bid in several public appearances and interviews in recent months, but has not made a formal announcement.
Trump has remained a dominant force in Republican politics since leaving office in January, using his Save America PAC to raise millions of dollars and endorse candidates who align with his “America First” agenda.
The rally in Iowa is expected to draw a large crowd of supporters, as Trump remains a popular figure among Iowa Republicans. Iowa is a key battleground state in presidential elections, and Trump’s visit could energize his base and help rally support for GOP candidates in the 2022 midterm elections.
The Save America rally in Des Moines is scheduled to take place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on October 9. Ticket information will be available on the Save America website in the coming weeks.
