The Glymphatic System Explained

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that dementia may be linked to problems in the brain’s waste-clearance system, known as the glymphatic system. In a healthy brain, the glymphatic system flushes out metabolic waste and toxic proteins. When this system works poorly, waste may accumulate, contributing to neurodegeneration. Improving vascular health, sleep quality, and potentially therapies that enhance brain fluid flow could become future strategies for preventing or slowing dementia. 

What the study found:

• Researchers analysed MRI scans from about 40,000 adults in the UK Biobank and found that impaired movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain — part of the so-called glymphatic system — predicted a higher risk of developing dementia over the next decade. 

What the glymphatic system is:

• The glymphatic system is a network that uses CSF to flush out metabolic waste, including toxic proteins, from the brain. It moves this fluid along tiny channels around blood vessels (perivascular spaces) to collect and remove waste that is predominantly activated while in deep sleep. 

Why this matters for dementia:

• Many forms of dementia — including Alzheimer’s — are associated with buildups of toxic proteins like amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Poor waste clearance could contribute to that accumulation. 
• Cerebral small vessel disease, a condition affecting small blood vessels in the brain, also disrupts waste clearance and is linked to dementia. 

Risk factors that may impair the system:

• Common cardiovascular and lifestyle risk factors — such as high blood pressure, smoking, and poor sleep — were linked to worse glymphatic function and higher dementia risk. 

Potential prevention strategies:

• Because glymphatic activity is tied to sleep quality, getting good sleep may help waste clearance.

• Treating vascular risk factors (example: controlling blood pressure) could also protect this system and lower dementia risk. 

• If sleep and blood pressure are health challenges for you, connect with a Longév naturopathic doctor to discover ways that you can regain a healthy circadian rhythm and get those zz’s and also support blood pressure regulation. Book a naturopathic appointment here. 

• Regular movement and exercise – there are many benefits, but as it relates to the glymphatic drainage, our muscles contracting will help pump our lymphatic system to aid in cellular waste removal

• Manual lymphatic drainage treatments integrating specific techniques to promote glymphatic clearance. Our Longév Lymphatic team offers this should you live in the Toronto area and would like to schedule this into your wellness routine. Book lymphatic appointment here. 

University of Cambridge Study: Dementia linked to problems with brain’s waste clearance system