Common Sleep Disorder Linked to Doubled Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
My Egypt
A major new study reveals that sleep apnea may
double the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, but researchers offer a
promising solution: early treatment with respiratory devices could
significantly lower this risk.
A groundbreaking study published in the
prestigious medical journal JAMA has uncovered a concerning link between sleep
apnea—a common disorder affecting millions—and a significant increase in the
likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease. However, the findings also
highlight that proactive management using CPAP therapy can reduce this risk by
nearly 30%.
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| Common Sleep Disorder Linked to Doubled Risk of Parkinson’s Disease |
Common Sleep Disorder Linked to Doubled Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Parkinson’s
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by
interrupted breathing during sleep. According to the study, individuals
suffering from this disorder are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s
disease compared to those without sleep issues.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological
condition that affects movement. Its primary symptoms include:
Currently,
approximately 28,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's in the UK every year.
CPAP Therapy: A Potential Shield for the Brain
Despite the alarming correlation, the researchoffers a silver lining. The study indicates that early and consistent treatment
can have "significant effects on the brain."
Researchers found that patients who utilized Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines—masks worn during sleep
to pump air and prevent oxygen levels from dropping—within two years of their
sleep apnea diagnosis were 30% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
Study Methodology and Findings
The findings are based on a massive analysis of
medical records involving over 11 million US military veterans. The data, collected between 1999
and 2022, revealed that:
- 14% of the group had been diagnosed with
sleep apnea.
- Upon reviewing health outcomes six years
post-diagnosis, those with untreated sleep apnea showed a two-fold
increase in Parkinson's cases.
- Those who adhered to CPAP therapy showed a
marked reduction in risk.
The Biological
Mechanism: The Role of Oxygen
The study’s authors suggest that the connection
between the two conditions may be driven by chronic hypoxia (prolonged lack of oxygen).
Repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep can damage brain cell function,
potentially triggering the neurodegeneration seen in Parkinson’s.
Previous research has similarly linked sleep
apnea-induced oxygen deprivation to an increased risk of dementia.
Rising Concerns and Diagnosis Delays in the UK
The study comes at a critical time as Parkinson’s
diagnoses continue to rise.
- Current Figures: There are approximately 166,000 people
living with Parkinson’s in the UK.
- Future Projections: This number is expected to reach 173,000 by
2030.
However, the
charity Parkinson’s UK warns that the actual numbers may
be higher. A study from October estimated that over 20,000 people in the UK could be
living with the disease undiagnosed.
The Impact of Waiting Lists
The charity has highlighted that NHS backlogs,
exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have left thousands of patients in a
state of anxiety and uncertainty.
Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s
UK, stated:
"The
long and painful backlog caused by Covid, and the slow recovery of neurology
services, has left thousands of people with Parkinson’s struggling to get a
medical review, with some waiting up to five years to see a neurologist. We
often hear that patients are passed between services, living in uncertainty,
fearing the worst while waiting for a diagnosis."
If you or a loved one suffer from symptoms of
sleep apnea, seeking medical advice and adhering to CPAP therapy may not only
improve sleep quality but also provide crucial protection for long-term
neurological health.
