New research from UVA Health suggests that increased light sensitivity may contribute to “sundowning” and disrupt sleep patterns in Alzheimer’s patients. This discovery could be significant for the development of treatments and symptom management, particularly in regards to sleep patterns. The researchers propose that light therapy could be an effective tool to help manage these disruptions.
Understanding the effects of Alzheimer’s on the biological clock may also have implications for preventing the disease. Poor sleep quality in adulthood is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, as the brain naturally cleanses itself of amyloid beta proteins during rest, which are thought to form harmful tangles in Alzheimer’s.
The study highlights changes in light sensitivity as a potential explanation for some of the circadian symptoms in Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is characterized by progressive memory loss and can present symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, poor judgment, and increased searching, which often worsen in the evening and at night.
The researchers used a mouse model of Alzheimer’s to investigate the effects on the biological clock. The Alzheimer’s mice adapted to a time change more quickly than the control mice, indicating heightened sensitivity to changes in light. Inflammation in the brain and the presence of abnormal proteins did not play a significant role in this adaptation process.
The retina appears to have a crucial role in the enhanced light sensitivity observed in Alzheimer’s, offering a promising avenue for future research in treatment, management, and prevention of the disease.
Further exploration is needed to determine how controlling the type and timing of light could reduce circadian disruptions in Alzheimer’s and potentially slow down disease progression. Light therapies may hold promise in the development of Alzheimer’s treatment options.