Chronic trazodone treatment consolidates sleep, improves memory, and reduces amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Sleep disturbance in Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly the reduction of slow wave sleep (SWS), has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target, with disease-modifying potential. Trazodone, an antidepressant with robust SWS-promoting properties, is currently the most prescribed sleep-promoting medication in the United States. Here, we demonstrate that chronic trazodone administration…
Alzheimer's disease (AD) often leads to sleep disturbance, especially a decrease in slow wave sleep (SWS), which may hold therapeutic potential. Trazodone, an antidepressant known to promote SWS, is the most commonly prescribed sleep medication in the United States. Researchers have found that chronic trazodone administration in a mouse model of AD consolidates sleep, increasing NREM sleep duration and slow wave power during rest periods, while promoting wakefulness during active periods.
These sleep-enhancing effects were observed more in male mice and were associated with lower regional glial activation and amyloid burden. Most notably, hippocampal amyloid plaque burden was 45% lower in trazodone-treated mice aged 14 to 16 months compared to vehicle-treated controls. Additionally, chronic trazodone treatment was linked to improved short-term and long-term recognition memory.
These findings suggest that repurposing trazodone as a disease-modifying treatment for AD, capable of improving sleep quality, cognition, and reducing AD-related neuropathology, is a promising avenue.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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