Research strongly points to the existence of a harmful protein interaction in the brain that may cause Alzheimer's. Research now suggests that sleep is the body's way of doing away with these accumulated proteins. Less sleep equals inadequate disposal of these harmful buildups. When you sleep, your body goes into housekeeping mode, sending "waste" out via the liver. Poor sleep is a known factor for ill health and it may be a contributing risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in later years. A video on Youtube explain this. Source: June 13, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. For more information go to: http://youtube.com/watch?v=96aZtk4hVJM