Researchers have found a significant connection between sleep apnea and risks to brain health, suggesting implications for cognitive function.
Sleep apnea, a condition affecting approximately 936 million adults worldwide, interrupts breathing during sleep and has been linked to various health issues. Recent research indicates its potential impact on brain health, specifically cognitive decline, with a focus on the hippocampus—responsible for memory and learning—and white matter in the brain.
Dr. Alberto R. Ramos from the University of Miami, a lead author of the study, highlights sleep apnea as an often overlooked condition that can impact both brain and cardiovascular health. He advocates for treating sleep apnea as a strategy to potentially curb the growing prevalence of dementia-related disorders.
The study, focusing on older adults of Latin descent, involved approximately 2,600 participants with an average age of 68. Initially, participants underwent a home sleep test to monitor apneas, hypopneas, and blood oxygen levels. Based on the data, they were categorized into three groups: no sleep issues, mild issues, and moderate to severe difficulties.
The study continued over a decade, during which participants underwent brain scans to identify changes in brain volume. Findings revealed that those with significant sleep issues exhibited an enlarged hippocampus and increased white matter hyperintensities—both indicators of potential brain damage.
Interestingly, each additional sleep disruption correlated with an incremental increase in hippocampal volume, which Dr. Ramos attributes to inflammation or damage rather than healthy growth. Moreover, reduced oxygen levels during sleep were associated with increased hippocampal size and more extensive white matter damage, potentially indicating vascular brain disease.
David Merrill, a geriatric psychiatrist, emphasizes the importance of quality sleep for cognitive health. Disrupted sleep can lead to brain function deterioration and cognitive symptoms, making it crucial to integrate sleep disorder treatments in managing cognitive decline.
As sleep apnea continues to impact millions globally, addressing its role in cognitive decline is essential. While further research is needed, these findings underscore the importance of recognizing and treating sleep apnea to potentially mitigate risks associated with neurological disorders.
Source: Medicalnewstoday
