Catnapping ‘could be sign of Alzheimer’s’

Nodding off during the day could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research.

Scientists at the Mayo Clinic in the US found catnapping fuels levels of harmful proteins believed to cause the neurological illness.

They say the findings could lead to older people being treated with sleep disorder medications.

The study found those who snoozed at times when they ought to have been awake had higher levels of amyloid-beta in their brains.

This can eventually form into clumps killing neurons – leading to memory loss and confusion.

The discovery could help identify at-risk people years before they develop the condition – when drugs and lifestyle changes are more likely to have an effect.