A study found that people with obstructive sleep apnoea face a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This condition occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway and causing repetitive awakenings. These disrupted sleep patterns can reduce oxygen levels and impact the brain. Researchers in Oregon studied over 1.6 million older adults with sleep apnoea, observing rates of Parkinson’s disease five years post-diagnosis in more than 20 years of medical records.
After adjusting for factors like age, sex, and smoking, researchers discovered that individuals with sleep apnoea had 1.8 times more Parkinson’s cases per 1,000 persons than those without. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with sleep problems common among patients. The study indicated that using CPAP, which delivers pressurised air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep, could lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Using CPAP within two years of sleep apnoea diagnosis reduced Parkinson’s risk by 2.3 fewer cases per 1,000 compared to non-CPAP users, as found in the study. Gregory D. Scott from the VA Institute highlighted the commonality of obstructive sleep apnoea and its link to increased heart attack and stroke risk if left untreated.
“Our study discovered a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, yet there is a silver lining: early use of CPAP upon sleep disorder diagnosis could help. These findings will be shared at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting in San Diego, US from April 5-9.”
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