The role of sleep-dependent glymphatic brain clearance in human aging
Dr. Sharon's research investigates the function of the CSF and blood oscillations in clearing metabolic waste from the brain during sleep and how this clearance might be affected in aging. This pioneering pilot study aims to test if efficient glymphatic clearance during sleep is linked to healthy brain aging, less accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins, and better cognitive function. Utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques such as fast fMRI and simultaneous EEG, Dr. Sharon will measure CSF oscillatory activity in older adults during sleep, correlating these with PET scan results of amyloid and tau deposition. The goal is to test if effective glymphatic CSF clearance during sleep could be a biomarker for brain health and potentially a target for therapeutic intervention to improve aging outcomes. This research has the potential to transform our understanding of sleep's role in brain health and aging, ultimately contributing to strategies that enhance cognitive longevity.
