Publication
Title
Sleep and Alzheimer's disease : a pivotal role for the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Author
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), which accounts for most of the dementia cases, is, aside from cognitive deterioration, often characterized by the presence of non-cognitive symptoms. Society is desperately in need for interventions that alleviate the economic and social burden related to AD. Circadian dysrhythmia, one of these symptoms in particular, immensely decreases the self-care ability of AD patients and is one of the main reasons of caregiver exhaustion. Studies suggest that these circadian disturbances form the root of sleepwake problems, diagnosed in more than half of AD patients. Sleep abnormalities have generally been considered merely a consequence of AD pathology. Recent evidence suggests that a bidirectional relationship exists between sleep and AD, and that poor sleep might negatively impact amyloid burden, as well as cognition. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the main circadian pacemaker, is subjected to several alterations during the course of the disease. Its functional deterioration might fulfill a crucial role in the relation between AD pathophysiology and the development of sleep abnormalities. This review aims to give a concise overview of the anatomy and physiology of the SCN, address how AD pathology precisely impacts the SCN and to what degree these alterations can contribute to the progression of the disease.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Sleep medicine reviews. - New York
Publication
London : W b saunders co ltd , 2018
ISSN
1087-0792
DOI
10.1016/J.SMRV.2017.07.005
Volume/pages
40 (2018) , p. 17-27
ISI
000438201300003
Pubmed ID
29102282
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
An integrated approach towards understanding the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration (NEUROBRAINNET).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 01.08.2018
Last edited 09.10.2023
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