Sleep Disturbance, Menopause, and Alzheimer's Risk in Women

Sleep Disturbance, Menopause, and Alzheimer's Risk in Women

Alvin Sherman Library

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neurodegeneration, behavioral changes, cognitive impairment, and loss of sleep quality. Women are at a greater risk of developing dementia and AD during the lifetimes because women live longer than men on average and other factors. The duration and quality of sleep are associated with a healthy brain, especially during aging. Impaired and poor sleep is both an early symptom of AD and a contributing factor to cognitive impairment. Maintaining proper sleep can help prevent cognitive impairment, AD, and dementia. Sleep deprivation may increase the risk for beta-amyloid (Aβ) build-up and AD. Some of the most common sleep disorders are more prevalent and more severe in women. Increased sleep disruption and dramatic hormonal changes during and after menopause lead to an increased number of women living with AD. Hormone dysregulation, such as estradiol, is associated with the menopausal transition and may contribute to female AD vulnerability. Changes in the brain during menopause, along with social and cultural factors, could increase AD risk in women. Understanding the differences between men and women in their risk of dementia and AD could help develop better treatments. We suggest that sex-specific, time-sensitive menopausal hormone therapy for women may be better for reducing the risk of AD onset and prevention.