Summary:
A major study published in *JAMA Neurology* has uncovered a significant link between untreated obstructive sleep apnea and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) analyzed data from over 11 million veterans aged 40 and older who did not have Parkinson’s at the start of the study. By tracking these individuals over an average of nearly five years, the researchers found that those with untreated sleep apnea were almost twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s compared to those without the condition. The study also revealed that early initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy could reduce the risk of Parkinson’s by up to 30%. This protective effect was observed after adjusting for various health factors, including age, sex, race, and smoking habits.
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Expanded Article:
Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have found a significant connection between untreated obstructive sleep apnea and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in *JAMA Neurology*, analyzed data from over 11 million veterans aged 40 and older who did not already have Parkinson’s disease. By tracking these individuals over an average of nearly five years, the researchers found that those with untreated sleep apnea were almost twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s compared to those without the condition. The study also revealed that early initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy could reduce the risk of Parkinson’s by up to 30%, suggesting that early intervention may significantly lower the chances of the disease’s onset.
Dr. Greg Scott, an Oregon-based pathologist and co-author of the study, described the findings as ‘surprising.’ He highlighted that individuals who received CPAP therapy not only had a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s but also exhibited fewer fractures, falls, and lower mortality rates. Dr. Lee Neilson, the lead author of the study, explained that repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep could damage neurons, increase inflammation, and hinder the brain’s ability to clear out harmful proteins, potentially contributing to the development of Parkinson’s disease. The researchers believe that CPAP therapy may mitigate these risks by stabilizing oxygen levels and improving sleep continuity.
While the study only demonstrates an association and does not prove a direct causation, the authors stress that early prevention and addressing risk factors are crucial for managing neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers acknowledge limitations, including the lack of detailed data on CPAP usage and the study’s population focus on older men, which may affect the generalizability of the results. However, the findings highlight the potential role of sleep apnea in the development of Parkinson’s and emphasize the importance of addressing sleep disorders to reduce associated health risks. This research could pave the way for further investigations into sleep-related factors that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases and inform the development of preventative strategies.