Sleep Loss Linked to Microglia in Alzheimer's | Lexington News

Lexington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 27, 2026 · 1m

Scientists at the University of Kentucky have cracked a major mystery: why Alzheimer’s patients can’t sleep. It’s not the plaques or dying neurons — it’s the brain’s overworked immune cells, microglia, which get so busy fighting amyloid buildup they keep the brain wired, disrupting sleep. This breakthrough, published in the Alzheimer’s Association journal, suggests sleep problems could be an early warning sign — letting people get diagnosed sooner and potentially slow disease progression with lifestyle changes or new treatments. The research also aims to improve daily life for patients…