Sleep is key to activating the 'Glymphatic System' that helps discharge brain waste

Our brain stays active without rest all day long, consuming energy. In this process, 'residue' such as metabolites is inevitably generated, and recently, the medical community has been focusing on a unique system within the brain that efficiently discharges this waste. According to a video from Uihak Channel Biondwi, the 'Glymphatic System', the brain's waste discharge system, is activated while we sleep and plays the role of cleaning the brain.

The brain's cleaner, the Glymphatic System and the identity of waste

In the brain, there exists a barrier that separates the blood from the brain to prevent the influx of harmful substances. While this has the advantage of protecting the brain, it also acts as a disadvantage by making it difficult for waste to escape. To compensate for this, the brain operates the 'Glymphatic System', which uses cerebrospinal fluid to discharge waste. The 'toxins' mentioned here do not simply refer to harmful substances entering from the outside.

In the video, the speaker explains the scope of toxins in three categories. First is the metabolites left over from running the energy cycle, and second is fragmented, modified proteins. In particular, if 'Beta-amyloid' protein, known as a cause of Alzheimer's Disease, is not properly decomposed and accumulates, it destroys brain cells. Third is the imbalance of ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium within the cerebrospinal fluid, and the reactions of the immune system. If these wastes are not properly discharged, the brain recognizes them as pathogens and triggers an inflammatory response, which can create a vicious cycle where this inflammation in turn induces dementia.

Differences between Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Alzheimer's Disease}

The protein toxins that accumulate in the brain show different patterns depending on the disease. The video distinguishes the differences between major neurodegenerative diseases, which many people easily confuse, as follows.

First, Alzheimer's Disease is a disease where cognitive function declines as 'Beta-amyloid', which is longer because normal proteins are not properly cut by decomposing enzymes, deposits in the brain. On the other hand, Parkinson's disease occurs as proteins called 'Lewy Body' accumulate in the midbrain area. The midbrain is where dopamine is produced and movement is regulated; if toxins accumulate here and dopamine secretion decreases, problems with movement arise. If these Lewy Bodies spread toward the cerebral cortex, dementia symptoms may also be accompanied.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis has a slightly different pattern from the previous two diseases. It is a disease where the 'motor neurons' responsible for movement themselves wither away; while sensation is maintained, strength in the hands is lost, pronunciation becomes slurred, and eventually, problems arise even in the respiratory muscles. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is known to be caused by a complex combination of various factors, including not only protein toxins but also genetic abnormalities. In summary, the core of Alzheimer's is cognitive function, Parkinson's is motor control, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is the destruction of the motor neurons themselves.

The impact of stress on brain function decline and frontal lobe function

In the results of 'SPECT', a brain blood flow test, if frontal lobe activity appears low or slow waves (theta waves, delta waves) are observed in brainwaves, it may mean that brain function has temporarily declined. In particular, severe psychological stress is a major cause of structural and functional changes in the brain.

In a normal state, the 'Top-down' process, where the frontal lobe issues commands and regulates, operates to perform cognitive functions efficiently. However, if chronic stress persists, the 'amygdala' located deep in the brain becomes excessively activated. When the amygdala is activated, a 'Bottom-up' type of response that escapes the control of the frontal lobe appears, and as a result, the cognitive function of the frontal lobe drops sharply. If this state is left unattended and frontal lobe function stops completely, there is a risk of leading to mild cognitive impairment, where brain cells are lost and the structure decreases, as the brain chooses a Shutdown rather than trying to save the cells.

Therefore, if a decline in brain function is suspected, it is more important than anything to manage psychological stress and develop lifestyle habits of getting sufficient and deep sleep so that the Glymphatic System, the brain's discharge system, can operate smoothly.