New Study Suggests Early Treatment of Sleep Apnea May Help Prevent Parkinson's Disease
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has found a potential link between untreated sleep apnea and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 11 million US veterans, revealed that approximately 14% of the participants were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
The study's lead author, Dr. Lee Neilson, suggests that interrupted oxygen supply during sleep may contribute to neurodegenerative damage, leading to Parkinson's disease. With this in mind, treating sleep apnea through a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may help mitigate the risk of developing the neurological disorder.
According to the study, veterans with untreated sleep apnea were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson's six years after diagnosis compared to those who received treatment. This disparity holds significant implications for the prevention and management of Parkinson's disease, as it highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders early on.
While having sleep apnea is not a guaranteed precursor to Parkinson's, the study suggests that it substantially increases the risk. In contrast, treating sleep apnea with a CPAP machine appears to reduce the likelihood of developing Parkinson's, thereby providing a potential strategy for preventing or delaying disease progression.
The researchers' findings are based on data collected between 1999 and 2022 and underscore the need for early detection and treatment of sleep apnea. By using a CPAP machine, individuals can potentially build resilience against neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep disorders in the prevention and management of this debilitating disease.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has found a potential link between untreated sleep apnea and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 11 million US veterans, revealed that approximately 14% of the participants were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
The study's lead author, Dr. Lee Neilson, suggests that interrupted oxygen supply during sleep may contribute to neurodegenerative damage, leading to Parkinson's disease. With this in mind, treating sleep apnea through a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may help mitigate the risk of developing the neurological disorder.
According to the study, veterans with untreated sleep apnea were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson's six years after diagnosis compared to those who received treatment. This disparity holds significant implications for the prevention and management of Parkinson's disease, as it highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders early on.
While having sleep apnea is not a guaranteed precursor to Parkinson's, the study suggests that it substantially increases the risk. In contrast, treating sleep apnea with a CPAP machine appears to reduce the likelihood of developing Parkinson's, thereby providing a potential strategy for preventing or delaying disease progression.
The researchers' findings are based on data collected between 1999 and 2022 and underscore the need for early detection and treatment of sleep apnea. By using a CPAP machine, individuals can potentially build resilience against neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep disorders in the prevention and management of this debilitating disease.