Scientists at the VA Portland Healthcare System in Oregon have made groundbreaking discoveries that could affect the health of older adults. Their research shows that obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. That’s surprising, but there are solutions that can help minimize the threat.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disease that leads to multiple stops or reduces breathing during sleep. It occurs when the throat muscles become excessively relaxed and block the airways. As a result, patients wake up multiple nights to get air.
Apnea not only causes fatigue, concentration problems and chronic hypoxia, but also increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease. However, most recent research suggests that its effects could be even more dangerous.
What did the study show?
Scientists in Portland have analyzed 20 years of medical data covering 1.6 million patients with sleep apnea and 10 million healthy people. Results showed that within five years of diagnosis, those suffering from service had 1.8 cases of Parkinson’s disease per 1,000 patients compared to the control group.
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Experts have shown that cerebral hypoxia caused by OSA can damage neurons that cause motor control. This increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The disease is associated with degeneration of dopamine cells, and hypoxia can accelerate this process.
Can I reduce the risk?
Sleepless apnea can be effectively treated with a CPAP (continuous airway pressure) device. This ensures a constant air supply to the breathing tube and prevents blocking.
Research shows that 2.3 fewer Parkinsonson cases per 100 people were 2.3 fewer people who started CPAP therapy within two years of diagnosis than those who later began treatment.
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Although the results are promising, Dr. Gregory D. Scott, the leading author of this study, emphasizes that further analysis is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of the impact of OSA on Parkinson’s disease development.
Sleep apnea and general health
Obstructive sleep apnea not only affects the development of Parkinson’s disease, but also involves many other health problems. The body’s long-term hypoxia include:
It leads to high blood pressure and heart disease, increasing the risk of stroke, causing chronic fatigue and concentration problems, and weakens the immune system.
For this reason, people suffering from sleep apnea, especially elderly people, should regularly monitor their health and provide appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
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