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SAN DIEGO, CA – A preliminary study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting suggests a link between obstructive sleep apnea and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. However, the research also indicates that early intervention with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may mitigate this risk.
Obstructive sleep apnea, characterized by repeated airway blockages during sleep, disrupts sleep patterns and lowers oxygen levels, potentially affecting brain health. The study, involving nearly 1.6 million veterans with sleep apnea and 10 million without, revealed that 3.4% of those with sleep apnea developed Parkinson’s disease within five years, compared to 3.8% of those without.
“Obstructive sleep apnea is common and previous research has found that when untreated, it is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke,” said study author Gregory D. Scott, MD, Ph.D., of the VA Portland Health Care System in Oregon. “While our study found an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, the good news is people can do something about it by using CPAP as soon as they are diagnosed with the sleep disorder.”
After adjusting for age, sex, and health factors, the study found that individuals with sleep apnea had 1.8 more cases of Parkinson’s disease per 1,000 people compared to those without.
Crucially, the study examined the impact of CPAP therapy. Participants with sleep apnea were divided into those who began CPAP within two years of diagnosis and those who started later. The results showed that early CPAP use was associated with a lower rate of Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, there were 2.3 fewer cases of Parkinson’s per 1,000 people among those who started CPAP early compared to those who did not use CPAP.
“It is encouraging to know that while obstructive sleep apnea may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, treating it right away with CPAP may reduce that risk,” said Scott.
Researchers noted a limitation of the study was that they could not confirm daily CPAP usage among participants. They emphasized the need for further studies to track individuals more closely after sleep apnea diagnosis and over longer periods.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on preliminary research presented at a medical conference and should not be considered definitive medical advice. The study suggests a link between sleep apnea and Parkinson’s disease, and indicates CPAP may reduce risk, but further research is needed to confirm these findings. Individuals with sleep apnea or concerns about Parkinson’s disease should consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical guidance.
