REM Sleep Delays May Indicate Early Alzheimer’s A new study suggests that delayed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may serve as an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. Participants with delayed REM sleep showed higher levels of amyloid and tau, two proteins linked to Alzheimer’s, as well as lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports memory and cognitive function. REM sleep, crucial for memory consolidation, was delayed by an average of 193 minutes in at-risk individuals, compared to 98 minutes in healthy participants. Disrupted REM sleep impairs the brain’s ability to process memories and may increase stress hormones, further damaging the hippocampus. Researchers emphasize the importance of healthy sleep habits and note that certain medications and treatments could modify disease progression by improving REM sleep. These findings highlight the potential role of sleep monitoring in Alzheimer’s prevention and early intervention.