What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore the connection between locus coeruleus integrity and slow-wave sleep, particularly in the context of aging and Alzheimer's disease.

February 5, 2026Alzheimer s & Dementia6 citations

Relationship between locus coeruleus and slow‐wave sleep in aging and Alzheimer's disease

NFNeus Falgàs NTNúria Tort‐ColetPasqual Maragall Foundation IMIsabel Martín‐SobrinoBiomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases

Key Points

The study aims to explore the connection between locus coeruleus integrity and slow-wave sleep, particularly in the context of aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Analyzed a cohort including controls, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's dementia participants.
Used overnight polysomnography combined with LC-sensitive MRI.
Assessed basal ganglia perivascular spaces and cerebrospinal fluid noradrenaline levels.
Applied multivariable linear regression controlling for demographics and disease stage.
Higher locus coeruleus integrity correlated with increased slow-wave activity and oscillation power.
Stronger effects of LC integrity on sleep were observed in females.
Increased perivascular space burden in basal ganglia was associated with reduced slow-wave sleep power.
Noradrenaline levels did not show a significant relationship with sleep.

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION Sleep disruption, particularly loss of slow‐wave sleep (SWS), is common in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its neurobiological underpinnings remain unclear. We investigated whether locus coeruleus (LC) integrity relates to SWS across the AD continuum and whether sex and perivascular spaces (PVSs) modify these associations. METHODS In a cohort (11 controls, 30 mild cognitive impairment, 17 AD dementia) we combined overnight polysomnography with LC‐sensitive magnetic resonance imaging of the LC, basal ganglia and centrum semiovale PVS ratings, and cerebrospinal fluid noradrenaline. Multivariable linear regression adjusted for demographics, disease stage, and medication use. RESULTS Higher LC integrity was associated with greater slow‐wave activity and slow oscillation power, with stronger effects in females. Basal ganglia PVS burden was related to lower SWS spectral power, whereas noradrenaline levels were not associated with sleep. DISCUSSION LC integrity, sex, and PVS burden show associations with SWS alterations in aging and AD, supporting restorative sleep as a potential therapeutic target.

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