If you have ever experienced trying to get through your day on only a few hours of sleep, you may already be aware of how difficult it can be to function. Have you ever thought about what your brain is going through on these days? We sleep to replenish our brain cells. Getting the correct amount of sleep helps regulate our mood, our appetite, and most importantly, supports our memory and ability to retain those memories.
Sleeping is integral to our growth and development but also maintaining our health. After only one night of sleep deprivation, you already are feeling the substantial effects. Over time, can sleep deprivation lead to memory loss and the development of Alzheimer’s?
Lack of Sleep & Memory Loss
A recent study from the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, conducted by the University of California, Irvine and SIU School of Medicine found that disrupting the sleep cycle had produced a significant chemical change in the brain. It affected learning and memory in a way that could spur memory loss later on in the form of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Long-Term Effects of Sleep Deprivation
The study reported that those who currently suffer from the condition sometimes have trouble sleeping though the reasons for that is not entirely known, although it may be due deficiency in glutathione, which is an antioxidant that is meant to protect the brain cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is what has been known to create an environment for Alzheimer’s disease to develop.
Providing Care for the Elderly Since 1986
Mount Carmel Assisted Living has been dedicated to providing comfortable assisted living services for those suffering from memory loss. We care about our residents’ health first and foremost. We have developed a behavior management program that helps to ease memory loss symptoms, calm aggression and bolster memory and brain function.
If you have any further questions about memory loss and our assisted living care, please contact us. We have been helping others for nearly 30 years.
Source Link: http://www.sj-r.com/article/20151105/BLOGS/311059999/-1/blogs01