Summary of Study Links Sleeps Apnea to Smaller Brain Volume:
A new study published in Neurology has found a correlation between severe sleep apnea, lower brain volumes in the medial temporal lobe area (including the hippocampus), and amyloid plaques (an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease). This correlation could suggest brain cell loss but doesn’t establish causality between sleep apnea and lower brain volume. The study emphasizes the need for further research into sleep-disordered breathing treatments to improve cognition and delay neurodegeneration. The study involved 122 people without memory problems, and the participants with amyloid plaques with more severe sleep apnea were likelier to have lower volumes in the medial temporal lobe area of the brain. The study does not prove that sleep apnea causes lower brain volume; it only shows an association.
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Association Found Between Severe Sleep Apnea and Reduced Brain Volume in Alzheimer’s Patients
A recent study published in Neurology has found an association between severe sleep apnea and lower brain volumes in regions critical to memory in people with amyloid plaques, an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the study does not prove that sleep apnea causes lower brain volume.
This correlation emphasizes the need for further research into sleep-disordered breathing treatments to delay neurodegeneration and potentially improve cognition.
The Study
The study involved 122 people with an average age of 69 who did not have any memory problems. Out of these, 26 people had amyloid plaques in their brains. Participants had brain scans, took memory tests, and had an overnight sleep study done in their homes. Memory tests were repeated after an average of 21 months.
In people with amyloid plaques, having more severe sleep apneas was associated with having lower brain volume in the medial temporal lobe area, which may suggest loss of brain cells. This connection was not found in people who did not have amyloid plaques.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, which can lead to poor sleep quality. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly, feel tired even after a whole night’s sleep, have trouble concentrating, and have morning headaches.
Effects of Sleep Apnea on the Brain
Studies have shown that sleep apnea increases the risk of dementia. The exact mechanism is unclear, but it is thought that sleep apnea may cause brain damage by decreasing oxygen levels in the brain, increasing inflammation, and causing oxidative stress. All of these factors can contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Several ways to treat sleep apnea include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, weight loss, and surgery. CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. It involves using a machine that delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose, nose, and mouth to keep the airways open during sleep.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of identifying and treating sleep apnea in people with Alzheimer’s. It is unclear whether treating sleep-disordered breathing could improve cognition and prevent or delay neurodegeneration. Still, it is essential to explore this possibility to develop better treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease.
