A recent opinion piece from Loughborough University highlights growing evidence that our internal 'body clock' or circadian rhythm significantly influences brain health in later life and could be linked to dementia risk. Published on January 13, 2026, the article references a substantial 2025 study in Neurology® involving over 2,000 individuals with an average age of 79. This research found that those maintaining strong, consistent circadian rhythms had nearly half the risk of developing dementia over three years compared to those with weaker or more disrupted daily patterns. The circadian rhythm is a natural 24-hour internal system that regulates critical bodily functions such as sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, heart rate, and body temperature. When this intricate system is disrupted, the consequences extend beyond poor sleep to affect long-term brain health. The study also indicated that individuals whose daily activity levels peaked later in the afternoon experienced a notably higher risk of dementia, with some reports suggesting a 45% to 69% increased risk. This may suggest a misalignment between the body's internal clock and environmental cues like light. Credible sources like Medical News Today, Technology Networks, ScienceDaily, and The Hindu have corroborated these findings, emphasizing the association between disrupted circadian rhythms and increased dementia risk. While the study shows a strong association, it does not establish direct causation. It also acknowledges that while poor sleep has long been suspected to contribute to dementia, conditions like sleep apnea were not fully accounted for, presenting a limitation due to their complex overlap with other dementia risk factors. Experts suggest that disruptions in circadian rhythms could influence processes like inflammation, interfere with sleep, and potentially impact the brain's ability to clear toxic proteins, such as amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's. Addressing physical inactivity linked to fatigue from disrupted sleep, and potentially considering circadian-focused interventions like light therapy and structured sleep schedules, are promising avenues for promoting brain health and reducing dementia risk.