“Sleep is critical to the function of the brain's waste removal system and this study shows that the deeper the sleep the better. These findings also add to the increasingly clear evidence that quality of sleep or sleep deprivation can predict the onset of Alzheimer's and dementia.”

The glymphatic system only works when we sleep. Basically, it operates by compressing brain cells and pumping cerebral spinal fluid into the brain. This fluid cleanses out waste products, including the protein beta-amyloid, which is implicated in Alzheimer’s.

Summary:
Scientists discover a new way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease by analyzing the levels of specific proteins in nasal discharge. This simple and inexpensive method could help in timely diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, in order to start treatment as soon as possible, thus delaying disease progression.