This leads to broken sleep patterns and weaker, shifted melatonin release-both of which are recognized hallmarks and potential risk factors for dementia.53,54 Genetic studies further strengthen this link, identifying associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in core clock genes (e.g., CLOCK, BMAL1, PER1) and susceptibility to AD and PD.55 This genetic predisposition is further compounded by the dysregulation of melatonin secretion. Here, CLOCK is linked to dementia.