11 Surprising Everyday Habits That May Increase Dementia Risk

2. Poor Sleep Hygiene: The Nightly Brain Sabotage

Sleep is often undervalued in the hustle and bustle of modern life, yet it is a critical component of cognitive health. During sleep, the brain undergoes a process of detoxification, clearing out harmful proteins like beta-amyloid, which are known to accumulate in Alzheimer's disease. Chronic sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality disrupts this cleansing process, leading to a build-up of these toxic proteins. Furthermore, lack of sleep affects mood, memory, and cognitive performance, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates the risk of dementia. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene is thus essential for maintaining brain health.