In recent years, scientists at Washington University have established links between sleep problems and Alzheimer's. For example, they have shown in people and in mice that sleep loss contributes to the growth of brain plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's, and increases the risk of dementia.Wow, that is so interesting, I saw the preliminary research, but didn't believe it.
The new research, in mice, demonstrates that eliminating that protein - called orexin - made mice sleep for longer periods of time and strongly slowed the production of brain plaques.
Here's why- people with other cognitive declines show lower levels of orexin.
I really hope blocking their orexin receptors helps. That would probably help our poor neglected neurotransmitter get some appropriate press coverage.
But I am not optimistic. I'm guessing it will just cause narcolepsy.
But since it happens with orexin and only when sleeping...
There's something else going on there, some hypoglycemia caused by something... hmmm... like maybe some pancake induced hyperinsulinemia?
Someone needs to do a patch clamp test concurrently with this one.
