Short Wave

The Brain Makes A Lot Of Waste. Here's How It Cleans Itself Up

15 snips
Jul 22, 2024
Jon Hamilton, NPR science correspondent and neuroscience expert, dives into the fascinating topic of how the brain cleans itself. He discusses the critical glymphatic system responsible for removing waste during sleep, shedding light on its role in preventing diseases like Alzheimer's. Hamilton reveals groundbreaking research on the effects of a specific 40 hertz sound that stimulates brain cleansing processes. This innovative approach could pave the way for new therapies to enhance brain health and tackle neurological challenges.
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INSIGHT

Brain Waste and Alzheimer's

  • The brain needs to eliminate waste products like carbon dioxide and toxic proteins such as beta-amyloid.
  • Beta-amyloid buildup contributes to Alzheimer's disease.
INSIGHT

Brain's Washing Machine

  • The glymphatic system, discovered around 2012-2013, cleans the brain during sleep.
  • This system pumps cerebrospinal fluid to wash away waste like a dishwasher.
ANECDOTE

Sleep and Alzheimer's in Mice

  • Researchers studied sleep-deprived mice predisposed to Alzheimer's.
  • They found that poor sleep hinders the glymphatic system, leading to toxic protein buildup.
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