![\"Alzheimer\u2019s](\"http:\/\/blueheronhealthnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Sleepless_56553545_s-2015.jpg\")
Sleeplessness should not be taken lightly. It\u2019s been linked to several dangerous diseases such as high blood pressure and some types of cancer.<\/p>\nSleeplessness should not be taken lightly. It\u2019s been linked to several dangerous diseases such as high blood pressure and some types of cancer.<\/p>\n
But a new research study from the University of California, Berkeley, reveals horrifying news if you have trouble sleeping.<\/p>\n
It could lead to the one disease most of us fear more than anything else.<\/p>\n
For the study, 26 healthy participants aged 65 to 81 were recruited. The probability of plaque formation in their brains was assessed with the help of brain scanning. <\/p>\n
Their brain waves were also analyzed during the night to assess the quality of sleep and MRI scans were done on the hippocampus area of the brain during a specific memory test. <\/p>\n
Long story short: there was a clear connection between plaque buildup, low quality sleep, and poor memory.<\/p>\n
While it is not clear whether plaque formation disturbs sleep or if poor sleep leads to formation of plaque (and memory loss) \u2013 it\u2019s clearly a vicious cycle, one factor feeding the other.<\/p>\n
The researchers concluded that if you have trouble sleeping, it multiplies your risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s later on in life. It\u2019s therefore essential to begin tackling your sleep problems before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n