Delayed REM Sleep Identified as Potential Early Marker for Alzheimer’s Disease

New research links prolonged time to enter dream sleep with elevated Alzheimer’s-related proteins and memory impairment risks.

A study of 128 participants found that taking over 193 minutes to enter REM sleep is associated with higher levels of amyloid beta and tau proteins, hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.
Participants with delayed REM sleep showed 16% more amyloid, 29% more tau, and 39% less BDNF, a protein critical for brain health and memory consolidation.
Delayed REM sleep may impair the brain's ability to process memories and regulate emotions, potentially increasing Alzheimer’s risk before cognitive symptoms appear.
Researchers recommend addressing sleep disorders and avoiding behaviors like heavy drinking that disrupt REM sleep to support brain health.
Future studies will explore how medications like melatonin, which promotes REM sleep, might modify Alzheimer’s disease progression.