A new study has shown that poor sleep may increase the risks of developing Alzheimer's disease.

The US led study by scientists of University of Wisconsin-Madison consisted of spinal fluid tests on 101 participants of an average age of 63 who either had a family history of the disease of carried a gene linked to it.

Those who reported that they suffered from drowsiness during the day or had poor sleep quality had more biological markers for Alzheimer's than those who had no issues sleeping.

"Previous evidence has shown that sleep may influence the development or progression of Alzheimer's disease in various ways," said lead scientist Dr Barbara Bendlin.

"For example, disrupted sleep or lack of sleep may lead to amyloid plaque build-up because the brain's clearance system kicks into action during sleep.

"Our study looked not only for amyloid but for other biological markers in the spinal fluid as well."

Dr Bendlin added that "there are already many effective ways to improve sleep. It may be possible that early intervention for people at risk of Alzheimer's disease may prevent or delay the onset of the disease."

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