IRREGULAR BODY CLOCK TIED TO INCREASED DEMENTIA RISK

Study suggests disrupted circadian rhythms may affect brain health and raise the likelihood of dementia

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A study suggests that a person's internal body clock may influence dementia risk, with weaker circadian rhythms — characterised by greater disruption and irregularity — being associated with a higher likelihood of developing the condition.

Circadian rhythms peaking later in the day, such as post-afternoon, instead of earlier, were linked to a 45 per cent higher risk of dementia.

"Disruptions in circadian rhythms may alter body processes like inflammation, and may interfere with sleep, possibly increasing amyloid plaques linked to dementia, or reducing amyloid clearance from the brain," study author Wendy Wang, from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said.