The flow of cerebrospinal fluid during sleep to flush out toxins and waste materials from the brain — plays an essential role in keeping the brain healthy.
A new study, using MRI scans, found that people with cardiovascular risk factors that impaired the function of the glymphatic system had an increased risk of dementia.
The researchers suggest that improving sleep patterns to enhance glymphatic system function and treating cardiovascular risks could both help reduce dementia risk.
The glymphatic system is a recently discovered waste clearance system, most active during sleep, that removes toxins and waste materials, including those associated with dementia, from the central nervous system Trusted Source.
A new study has found that people with an impaired glymphatic system have a higher risk of developing dementia.
The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association trusted Source, suggests that improving glymphatic function could be a powerful tool in reducing the risk of dementia.