A new study has revealed that people with obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. However, researchers also found that continuous positive pressure (CPAP) can reduce this risk if it is launched early enough.

The preliminary study was carried out by the American Academy of Neurology. The document will also be presented in a reunion to be held from April 5 to 9, 2025 in San Diego and online.

According to the study, the use of the CPAP within two years of the diagnosis of sleep apnea has reduced the risk of Parkinson. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airways, forcing a person to wake up several times.

This disturbed sleep model can reduce oxygen levels, affecting the brain. With CPAP, the pressure air is delivered through a mask to keep the airways open while a person sleeps.

“Obstructive sleep apnea is common and that previous research has shown that when it is not treated, it is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke,” said the author of Gregory D. Scott, MD, PH.D., of the healthcare system Vis Portland.

“Although our study has found an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, good news is that people can do something using CPAP as soon as they are diagnosed with a sleep disorder.”

During the study, the researchers examined more than 20 years of medical records to identify nearly 1.6 million veterans who had obstructive sleep apnea and nearly 10 million veterans who did not do so.

The team also examined Parkinson’s sickness rates five years after a diagnosis of sleep apnea. “It is encouraging to know that, if obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, treat it immediately with CPAP can reduce this risk,” said Scott, as shown by several media reports. “Future studies are necessary to follow the people more closely after receiving a diagnosis of sleep apnea and over longer periods.”

Source

https://www.financialexpress.com/life/suffering-from-sleep-apnea-you-are-high-risk-of-getting-parkinsons-disease-3767054/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5473481/