Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 4: A disrupted body clock, known as the circadian rhythm, may significantly increase the risk of developing dementia, according to a recent study published in the journal Neurology. Researchers have found that weaker and irregular circadian rhythms, as well as activity patterns that peak later in the day, are linked to a higher likelihood of dementia in older adults.

Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking and the ability to carry out daily activities. It worsens with age and has a severe impact on quality of life. As per the World Health Organisation, around 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2021.

The circadian rhythm functions as the body’s internal clock, regulating the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle along with key bodily processes such as hormone release, digestion and body temperature. It is controlled by the brain and strongly influenced by light exposure. When this rhythm is strong, the body maintains regular patterns of sleep and activity. When it is weak or fragmented, changes in light or daily schedules can easily disrupt normal functioning.

The study examined 2,183 individuals with an average age of 79, none of whom had dementia at the beginning of the research. Participants were monitored using small wearable devices that tracked their rest and activity patterns over an average period of 12 days. They were then followed for nearly three years, during which 176 participants were diagnosed with dementia.

Researchers observed that participants with weaker and more fragmented circadian rhythms were at a much higher risk of developing dementia. Compared to those with strong rhythms, individuals with weaker rhythms had nearly 2.5 times the risk. Additionally, those whose activity levels peaked later in the afternoon were found to have a significantly higher risk than those whose activity peaked earlier in the day.

Explaining the findings, study author Wendy Wang of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center said that disruptions in circadian rhythms may affect inflammation, interfere with sleep and increase the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are associated with dementia. She added that future research should explore whether interventions such as light therapy or lifestyle changes could help reduce dementia risk.

The findings highlight that the body’s internal clock plays a crucial role not just in sleep patterns, but also in long-term brain health, underscoring the importance of maintaining regular daily routines and healthy sleep habits.