New research may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by showing how the human brain clears away waste products, scientists say. Scientists found that a mixture of exercise, sleep and a little alcohol spurred the brain’s cleaning system in a study of mice.
Researchers looked at the impact on mice of increasing the heart rate through exercise and daily drinking 25 mL of wine. They found the combination stimulates brain fluid, which washes the toxic buildup of proteins out of the organ. They also found brain fluid penetrates deeper into the brain while mice sleep.
Scientists are now looking for ways to keep the human brain’s cleaning system – the glymphatic system – active. Dr. Ian Harrison of the University College London revealed the findings at this year’s Cheltenham Science Festival.
