Suprachiasmatic neuron numbers and rest-activity circadian rhythms in older humans

Joshua L. Wang, Andrew S. Lim, Wei Yin Chiang, Wan Hsin Hsieh, Men Tzung Lo, Julie A. Schneider, Aron S. Buchman, David A. Bennett, Kun Hu, Clifford B. Saper

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

159 Scopus citations

Abstract

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, the master mammalian circadian pacemaker, synchronizes endogenous rhythms with the external day-night cycle. Older humans, particularly those with Alzheimer disease (AD), often have difficulty maintaining normal circadian rhythms compared to younger adults, but the basis of this change is unknown. We report that the circadian rhythm amplitude of motor activity in both AD subjects and age-matched controls is correlated with the number of vasoactive intestinal peptide-expressing SCN neurons. AD was additionally associated with delayed circadian phase compared to cognitively healthy subjects, suggesting distinct pathologies and strategies for treating aging- and AD-related circadian disturbances.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)317-322
Number of pages6
JournalAnnals of Neurology
Volume78
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2015

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