Scientists from the University of Washington found that people who took sleeping pills before bed experienced a decrease in levels of key Alzheimer’s disease proteins that are directly related to worsening symptoms. Research published in the journal Neurology Annuals.
Dementia is associated with changes in the brain that disrupt sleep, and insufficient sleep accelerates harmful changes in the brain. In a new study, scientists have identified a possible way to break this vicious circle. A small two-day study in 38 people suggests that the suvorexant sleeping pill may slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is accompanied by the accumulation of amyloid protein aggregates in the brain. Their numbers were previously associated with the severity of dementia symptoms. Those who took high doses of suvorexant had a 10-20% decrease in amyloid levels compared to those who took a placebo. Low-dose sleeping pills were ineffective.
Scientists believe that if sleeping pills lower amyloid levels a little each day, this will slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Many additional studies will be needed to confirm this hypothesis.