BLOCKED BRAIN FLUID FLOW TIED TO RISK OF DEMENTIA

Poor sleep, heart problems may disrupt brain’s ‘cleaning system,’ raising Alzheimer’s risk, says study

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An impaired movement of the brain’s cerebrospinal fluid, which helps remove waste, could explain how poor sleep and heart conditions can increase one’s risk of dementia, according to a study.

Other functions of the cerebrospinal fluid include cushioning the central nervous system from shocks and delivering nutrients. The colourless fluid is part of the glymphatic system.

Researchers led by those at the UK’s University of Cambridge said the glymphatic system is important for protecting one against varied common forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease in which proteins called amyloid clump up and form toxic ‘plaques’.

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder in which memory, speech and thought processes are steadily affected with age, and can eventually disrupt daily activities.