Los Angeles Times

Sleep cycle troubles may be early sign of Alzheimer's disease

A fitful night's sleep and a habit of daytime catnapping may be an early-warning sign of Alzheimer's dementia, according to new research conducted in humans and mice.

Restless nights and sleepy days are a common pattern in patients with full-blown Alzheimer's. Those disrupted circadian rhythms are a symptom that can upend the lives of caregivers and cause confusion and anxiety in patients.

Less dramatic levels of sleep disruption, including trouble falling asleep and more frequent nighttime wakening, are also typical as people age.

A new study finds that, in older people who show no signs

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times4 min read
Commentary: I’m A Political Scientist And I’m Putting Myself On A Politics Diet For The 2024 Election
As a political scientist, I’ve long believed political competition to be the keystone of representative democracy. Yet in the 2024 election cycle, I’m consciously limiting my time, attention and contributions to politics. I’ve turned off the news and
Los Angeles Times2 min readCrime & Violence
Where Is Diddy? Sources Say Sean Combs Remains In US Amid Widening Sex Trafficking Probe
LOS ANGELES — Two days after federal authorities searched his homes in a probe of sex trafficking, Sean "Diddy" Combs remains in the United States and vows to fight the allegations, sources close to the music legend said. His 17,000-square-foot Holmb
Los Angeles Times5 min read
The Standoff At Gate 36: Texas Sends In The Troops To Block Migrants From Seeking Asylum
There was a time when migrants arriving here would cross the Rio Grande, make their way to a gate in the border fence and turn themselves into federal agents to claim asylum. That was before Texas Gov. Greg Abbott turned Gate 36 into a militarized zo

Related Books & Audiobooks