Nature reviews. Neurology

Body's internal clocks and daily rhythms in brain diseases that worsen over time

Updated

Abstract

Circadian rhythm dysfunction is often observed in patients with Alzheimer disease.

  • Circadian rhythms are cycles influenced by the body's internal clock that regulate various physiological processes, including sleep-wake patterns.
  • Impaired sleep and alertness are frequently seen in neurodegenerative disorders, potentially worsening disease progression.
  • Circadian dysfunction is associated with a significant decline in quality of life for Alzheimer patients and contributes to their institutionalization.
  • Similar sleep and circadian disturbances are prevalent in Parkinson disease and Huntington disease.
  • Research indicates that circadian dysfunction may progress as neurodegenerative diseases advance, suggesting a need for targeted interventions.

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Competing interests

Competing interests . The authors declare no competing interests.
PubMed

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