Sleep apnea affects over 936 million adults worldwide, and research has linked it to increased risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. A study published in Neurology found that people with sleep apnea may have an enlarged hippocampus, a region responsible for memory and learning.
Researchers at the University of Miami studied 2,600 Latino participants aged 68 and discovered that those with more severe sleeping issues had larger brain volumes in the hippocampus. The study suggests that increased size means increased swelling due to inflammation or overall damage.
Low oxygen levels during sleep were also correlated with higher hippocampal volume and white matter changes. These findings indicate vascular brain disease in people with sleep apnea, which can lead to dementia.
Experts agree that diagnosing and treating sleep apnea is crucial for maintaining proper brain health. “Sleep is a factor that can either be protective or risky for cognitive health,” says Dr. David Merrill, a board-certified geriatric psychiatrist. “Chronic disrupted sleep leads to changes in the brain, including increased risk of dementia.”
The study’s lead author, Dr. Alberto R. Ramos, notes that treating sleep apnea can serve as a strategy to improve brain health and prevent dementia. With 936 million adults worldwide affected by sleep apnea, understanding its link to brain health issues is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sleep-apnea-impacts-brain-in-ways-that-may-affect-cognitive-function