A Focus on The Role of Sleep Disorders in Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Pharmacological Treatment Approaches

Abstract

Sleep disorders are a prevalent and often debilitating symptom in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), significantly impacting cognitive function, daily activities, and quality of life (QoL). Current therapeutic options, including pharmacological treatments such as melatonin, benzodiazepines, and sedative antidepressants, offer modest improvements but are limited by side effects and variable efficacy. Non-pharmacological approaches, like cognitive-behavioral therapy and light therapy, show promise in managing sleep-wake cycle disruptions, though their effectiveness may diminish in the later stages of AD. Despite these challenges, advances in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sleep disorders in AD, such as the roles of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine, and orexin, have paved the way for more targeted treatment strategies. Looking forward, future treatments for sleep disorders in AD hold great potential. Precision medicine, leveraging neuroimaging and genetic insights, may allow for personalized therapeutic approaches that better address the unique needs of each patient. Additionally, novel pharmacological agents target specific neurotransmitter systems, and the combination of pharmacological and behavioral therapies offer promising solutions. Early intervention and lifestyle-based strategies may further improve patient outcomes by preventing or mitigating sleep disturbances before they significantly affect cognitive decline. With ongoing research and innovation, there is optimism that more effective, well-tolerated treatments will emerge to manage sleep disorders in AD, ultimately enhancing both patient care and QoL.