Are lack of sleep, Alzheimer's linked?

There is no doubt sleep deprivation makes it harder to think. Now, scientists believe not getting enough sleep may lead to dementia over time. Researchers are exploring how a lack of sleep affects cognition, and may even lead to Alzheimer's disease. Just how badly does sleep deprivation affect cognition? Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine are investigating whether it can actually lead to Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease and the most common form of dementia.