A Link Between OSA And Dementia
An article in Science Daily shares the findings of a new study by Monarch University that discusses a link between obstructive sleep apnea and dementia. I’d like to share this with you not only to shed light on the importance of sleep therapy, but also to help you understand potential concerns if a treatment plan is not followed. Read on to find out more.
If you are someone who struggles with obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, you might feel like you are alone in your suffering. OSA is more common that you may realize, affecting about 1 billion people worldwide. One of the main concerns with OSA is the effect that it may have on your long-term health. Dr. Linda Jackson from the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health led a study to determine the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and dementia.
The study was conducted on 23 individuals who have recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are currently not receiving treatment. It also involved a number of individuals who are asymptomatic and suffer from no sleep disorders. Dr. Jackson was interested in comparing the protein buildup in the brain between the two groups. Pet scans and measures of sleep were a few of the methods used to gather data in the comparison.
The findings showed that those suffering from OSA recorded poorer sleep efficiency and less time in the N3 sleep stage where the body heals and repairs itself. The study also found that severe OSA can cause a protein buildup in the arteries of the brain, leading to dementia later in life. The results of these findings are leading to more studies and research being done on this topic.
Here is a link to the article, if you are interested in learning more:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201111104918.htm
I hope this helped shed some more light on the importance of quality sleep and reassured you that you are on the right track to improving your sleep! Please let me know if you have any questions. We are always happy to help and we hope to see you soon at our office located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA.