Many older Australians accept disrupted sleep as part of ageing, but researchers involved in the study suggest it may deserve closer attention.

Researchers from the University of California San Diego examined 69 women aged over 65, looking at sleep quality, memory performance and brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that women with a higher genetic risk of Alzheimer’s who reported poorer sleep also showed greater accumulation of tau — a protein linked to the disease — along with poorer visual memory.

The same pattern was not observed in women considered to have a lower genetic risk.

A troubling cycle

The findings add to growing evidence that sleep and Alzheimer’s disease may be connected in a two-way relationship.

Previous research has revealed disrupted sleep may contribute to the accumulation of abnormal tau proteins, while Alzheimer’s-related brain changes may also interfere with healthy sleep patterns.

The study focused specifically on visual memory rather than verbal memory, suggesting certain cognitive functions may be affected earlier than others.

What Australians can do

While genetics cannot be changed, sleep quality certainly can, and according to Dementia Australia, maintaining healthy sleep habits is one of several lifestyle factors that may help support long-term brain health. The organisation also highlights regular exercise, social connection, healthy eating and managing chronic health conditions as important protective measures.

Some practical ways to improve sleep include:

• Keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up time.
• Finishing your evening meal two to three hours before bed.
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine later in the day.
• Keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet.
• Getting regular exercise and morning sunlight exposure.

Don’t ignore ongoing sleep problems

Women account for almost two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases, making research into potential risk factors particularly important.

The researchers say self-reported sleep problems are simple and inexpensive to monitor, raising the possibility that persistent sleep complaints could help identify people who may benefit from earlier assessment or intervention. The message is not that a few restless nights will lead to dementia. Rather, experts say ongoing sleep difficulties deserve attention, not just for better rest but potentially for better brain health too.

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