Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Linked to Higher Parkinson's Disease Risk: Research
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A recent study indicates that individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea have a higher likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease. The research, from the VA Portland Health Care System, suggests that CPAP therapy may reduce this risk.
Key Takeaways
- Obstructive sleep apnoea increases Parkinson's disease risk.
- 1.8 more cases of Parkinson's per 1,000 individuals with sleep apnoea.
- CPAP therapy may lower the risk significantly.
- Study analyzed data from 1.6 million older adults.
- Findings to be presented at a major neurology conference.
New Delhi, March 3 (NationPress) Individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea face a heightened risk of developing Parkinson's disease, as revealed by a recent study.
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, obstructing the airway and causing frequent awakenings to breathe. This interruption in sleep can lead to diminished oxygen levels, which may have adverse effects on the brain.
A team of researchers from the VA Portland Health Care System in Oregon, USA, investigated the incidence of Parkinson's disease five years post-diagnosis of sleep apnoea. They analyzed over two decades of medical records to find approximately 1.6 million elderly individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea.
After controlling for factors such as age, sex, and health issues like smoking, the study determined that individuals with sleep apnoea had 1.8 additional cases of Parkinson's disease per 1,000 individuals compared to those without the condition.
Parkinson's disease is a long-term, progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Sleep disturbances are among the most prevalent non-motor symptoms experienced by patients with Parkinson's.
Importantly, the research indicated that utilizing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may help mitigate this risk. CPAP therapy involves delivering pressurized air through a mask to maintain an open airway during sleep.
The findings indicated that commencing CPAP therapy within two years of a sleep apnoea diagnosis led to a reduction in Parkinson's disease risk—2.3 fewer cases per 1,000 individuals when compared to those who did not use CPAP.
Gregory D. Scott from the VA Institute stated, "Obstructive sleep apnoea is widespread, and prior studies have shown that, if left untreated, it is linked to an elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes."
"Our research highlights an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, but the encouraging news is that individuals can take action by utilizing CPAP as soon as they are diagnosed with this sleep disorder," he added.
The outcomes will be shared at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting, scheduled for April 5-9 in San Diego, USA.
