#aqp4

New research reveals that variations in a brain water channel gene called AQP4 do not act alone in Alzheimer's disease. In older adults with no cognitive impairment but with amyloid protein buildup, these genetic variants were directly linked to reduced brain volume, faster brain shrinkage, and lower cognitive scores. The connection grew stronger when sleep was poor. People carrying certain AQP4 variants who struggled with sleep duration, took longer to fall asleep, or reported poor sleep quality showed more severe brain changes. Sleep disturbances also amplified cognitive decline in these individuals. Since people can often adjust their sleep habits, the results hint that improving sleep could help counteract genetic susceptibility to brain damage tied to Alzheimer's, pointing to a practical prevention strategy.