The mechanism by which sleep washes away brain waste has been elucidated, which may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease
Our brains continue to move without rest even when we sleep. During sleep, neurons work together to emit electrical signals, which accumulate and form rhythmic waves that remove waste products that have accumulated in the brain. A team of researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine has shown that washing may be possible.
The Glymphatic System – A Beginner's Guide - PMC
Neuronal dynamics direct cerebrospinal fluid perfusion and brain clearance | Nature
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07108-6
Neurons help flush waste out of brain during | EurekAlert!
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1035658
Brain cells coordinate thoughts, emotions, and body movements, building networks essential for memory formation and problem solving. To maintain this network and accomplish its tasks, nutrients from food are supplied to brain cells as energy. However, it has been pointed out that when nutrients are consumed, metabolic waste products are created in the process, and the accumulation of these products increases the possibility of developing
Jonathan Kipnis of the research team said, ``It is important for the brain to process these metabolic wastes.'' ``Sleep is the time when the brain cleans itself to wash away the waste and toxins that have accumulated during waking hours.'' 'However, this mechanism has not been elucidated.'
Cleaning the brain, which is densely packed with cells and nerves, is not an easy task. The cerebrospinal fluid that fills the brain moves through a complex network of cells, collecting toxic waste products as it moves. The cerebrospinal fluid, which contains waste products, then flows into the lymph vessels in the dura mater . However, previous research has not elucidated the reason why cerebrospinal fluid moves.
Analyzing the brains of sleeping mice, the research team found that neurons work together to send out electrical signals that form rhythmic waves in the brain, pumping cerebrospinal fluid into dense brain tissue. revealed. Furthermore, the research team confirmed that by inhibiting the formation of rhythmic waves by suppressing the activity of specific brain regions, fresh cerebrospinal fluid does not flow during sleep and accumulated waste products are not flushed away. Masu.
Additionally, when we sleep, we repeatedly go through
'One of the reasons we sleep is to cleanse our brains,' Kipnis said. 'And if we can enhance this process, we might be able to stay healthy while getting less sleep. Sleep deprivation. affects health, and previous studies have shown that mice genetically conditioned to sleep less have healthier brains. 'The brain may be able to efficiently cleanse waste products during sleep. Similarly, we may be able to improve the brain's cleansing ability in patients suffering from insomnia.'
'Further research into this process may help prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This discovery could improve the brain's ability to remove harmful waste products. Kipnis speculates that this may lead to strategies and potential treatments to increase the amount of energy and remove waste products efficiently before they lead to the disastrous consequences of neurodegenerative diseases.
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