One Vital Bodily Function Could Link Many Dementia Risk Factors

A new review suggests sleep may be a shared pathway linking several major dementia risk factors.

Researchers say sleep helps the brain clear metabolic waste through the glymphatic system, especially during non-REM sleep.

That makes sleep disruption a possible common factor in risks tied to stress, depression, cardiovascular disease, and aging.

The findings point to sleep health as a potential target for lowering multiple dementia-related risks.