Millions of people living with a common sleep disorder face a substantially higher risk of developing a devastating neurological condition, according to groundbreaking new research.
A study of 1.5 million American veterans has found that those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a nearly two-fold increased risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Crucially, the research also offers hope, showing that consistent treatment with a CPAP breathing machine can slash this elevated risk by more than a third.
The Vicious Cycle of Nighttime Oxygen Deprivation
Obstructive sleep apnea, which afflicts an estimated 30 million Americans, causes a person's breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. This occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway, often leading to loud snoring, choking sensations, and frequent awakenings.
Dr Lee Neilson, the study's lead author and a neurologist at Oregon Health & Science University, explained the mechanism: ‘If you stop breathing and oxygen is not at a normal level, your neurons are probably not functioning at a normal level either.’
This oxygen deprivation can happen hundreds of times a night, year after year, causing cumulative damage to the brain's chemical messengers. Around 80% of people with the condition are undiagnosed, meaning they are unaware of the potential long-term danger to their brain health.
CPAP: A Powerful Shield for the Brain
The research team from Oregon Health & Science University and the Portland VA Health Care System delved into the electronic health records of over 11 million US military veterans. They discovered that veterans with diagnosed OSA had a 1.61 times higher risk of receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis within six years compared to those without the sleep disorder.
The most promising finding, however, centred on treatment. Patients who used a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine saw a significant 31% reduction in their risk of developing Parkinson's compared to those whose OSA went untreated. The CPAP device works by feeding a steady stream of air into the airways, keeping them open throughout the night.
Dr Gregory Scott, a pathologist involved in the study, cautioned, ‘It’s not at all a guarantee that you’re going to get Parkinson’s, but it significantly increases the chances.’ He emphasised that CPAP therapy acts as a powerful shield against this neural damage.
A Looming Health Crisis and a Path to Prevention
This research comes at a critical time. Rates of sleep apnea are projected to surge due to obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and an ageing population. One recent estimate suggests the number of Americans with OSA could rise to over 76 million by 2050.
Similarly, Parkinson's disease, which ravages the brain's dopamine system and causes symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and balance issues, is also expected to see a parallel surge. A 2021 study projected global cases could exceed 25 million by 2050.
Dr Neilson advocates for greater awareness and treatment, noting, ‘The veterans who use their CPAP love it... 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.’
The study, published in the prestigious journal JAMA Neurology, underscores that addressing sleep health could be a vital strategy in building resilience against serious neurodegenerative conditions.
