The recent study conducted by UVA Health on Alzheimer’s disease indicates that heightened sensitivity to light may contribute to “sundowning,” which is the worsening of symptoms towards the end of the day, and disrupt sleep patterns in individuals with Alzheimer’s. This disruption of the body’s biological clock is believed to accelerate the progression of the disease. Understanding these disturbances in the biological clock could be crucial in developing treatments and managing symptoms for Alzheimer’s patients. Caregivers often struggle with the unpredictable sleep schedules caused by altered circadian rhythms in these patients. The study proposes that light therapy could be a potential strategy to control these disruptions.
Moreover, comprehending the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on the biological clock may also have implications for preventing the disease. Poor sleep quality in adulthood has been identified as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, as rest is when the brain naturally clears amyloid beta proteins, which are thought to form harmful tangles in Alzheimer’s.
The research was conducted using a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, exposing them to “jet lag” by altering their light exposure. The Alzheimer’s mice adapted more quickly to the time change due to heightened sensitivity to light, compared to regular mice. The study ruled out neuroinflammation and mutant tau as potential causes of this heightened sensitivity, but it highlighted the importance of the retina in this process.
In conclusion, this research could aid in developing light therapies to mitigate circadian disruptions in Alzheimer’s disease, potentially slowing down its progression. The study was supported by various organizations and research funds, providing hope for future advancements in Alzheimer’s treatments and prevention.
