A significant new study involving 11 million U.S. veterans suggests a strong connection between untreated sleep apnea and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The research indicates that individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea who do not use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device may face nearly double the odds of developing the neurodegenerative condition.

Key Takeaways

• A study of millions of U.S. veterans shows that untreated sleep apnea nearly doubles a person’s odds for Parkinson’s disease.
• Years of inadequate oxygen supply to the brain might explain the connection, researchers said.
• The findings should prompt more people to seek out CPAP care for their sleep apnea.

The Study’s Findings

The comprehensive study, which analyzed the medical records of 11 million U.S. military veterans who received care between 1999 and 2022, found that even after accounting for factors like obesity, age, and high blood pressure, untreated sleep apnea was associated with a nearly twofold increase in the risk of Parkinson’s disease compared to those whose sleep apnea was managed with CPAP.

Understanding the Link

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, which can lead to reduced oxygen levels reaching the brain. Researchers hypothesize that this chronic oxygen deprivation may impair neuron function over time. “If you stop breathing and oxygen is not at a normal level, your neurons are probably not functioning at a normal level either,” explained Dr. Lee Neilson, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). “Add that up night after night, year after year, and it may explain why fixing the problem by using CPAP may build in some resilience against neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s.”

Implications for Treatment and Practice

Dr. Neilson stated that the findings are compelling enough to potentially alter clinical practice. He also highlighted that modern CPAP devices are more user-friendly and effective than ever before. “The veterans who use their CPAP love it,” he noted. “They feel better, they’re less tired. Perhaps if others know about this reduction in risk of Parkinson’s disease, it will further convince people with sleep apnea to give CPAP a try.”

Parkinson’s disease is an incurable neurodegenerative illness that affects about one million Americans, with risks increasing significantly after the age of 60. The study’s authors suggest that addressing sleep apnea through CPAP therapy could be a crucial step in mitigating the risk of developing this debilitating condition.

More Information

For those interested in learning more about CPAP therapy or sleep apnea, resources are available through healthcare providers and organizations specializing in sleep disorders.