Getting older means facing many threats to weakening brain function. There are two different but related risks that you should be aware of. As you age your chances of sleep apnea increase and so does the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Medical studies reveal that untreated sleep apnea increases your chances of developing dementia or Alzheimer's. Luckily treatments are available to reduce your risks.
Apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that many older adults and overweight people suffer from. Most apnea victims are undiagnosed, thus their apnea is left untreated. Why does it effect brain function? Because the body and brain receives less oxygen while you are asleep.
Dementia or Alzheimer's and other cognitive problems are not the only health risks related to this sleep disorder. Sleep apnea will increase your chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.
Sleep apnea is effectively treated with CPAP (continual positive air pressure) therapy. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask to sleep. The mask provides a stream of pressurized air that maintains sufficient oxygen levels in the blood and body.
Can treating apnea improve Alzheimer's? According to a recent study with 52 patients suffering from sleep apnea and Alzheimer's, performed by Dr. Jana R. Cooke of UC San Diego, the treated group greatly improved their cognitive abilities after only six weeks of CPAP therapy. While the other group received 'fake' CPAP therapy and showed no improvements at the end of the clinical trial.
According to new clinical research, when Alzheimers disease patients with OSA were treated with CPAP, an increase in the total amount of sleep at night was what helped improvements in cognition.
Clinical findings are clear: Treating apnea with CPAP therapy increases oxygen levels to the patient's brain. The improved oxygen levels to the brain can be helpful for a patient dealing with Alzheimer's disease.
There are other problems for older adults with poor nighttime sleep:
1. Increase chance of depression.
3. Lack of concentration and poor memory.
3. Daytime drowsiness.
4. Higher risk of nighttime falls.
5. Addiction to over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids (many of which, ironically, can make your apnea even worse!) - 20897
Apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that many older adults and overweight people suffer from. Most apnea victims are undiagnosed, thus their apnea is left untreated. Why does it effect brain function? Because the body and brain receives less oxygen while you are asleep.
Dementia or Alzheimer's and other cognitive problems are not the only health risks related to this sleep disorder. Sleep apnea will increase your chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.
Sleep apnea is effectively treated with CPAP (continual positive air pressure) therapy. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask to sleep. The mask provides a stream of pressurized air that maintains sufficient oxygen levels in the blood and body.
Can treating apnea improve Alzheimer's? According to a recent study with 52 patients suffering from sleep apnea and Alzheimer's, performed by Dr. Jana R. Cooke of UC San Diego, the treated group greatly improved their cognitive abilities after only six weeks of CPAP therapy. While the other group received 'fake' CPAP therapy and showed no improvements at the end of the clinical trial.
According to new clinical research, when Alzheimers disease patients with OSA were treated with CPAP, an increase in the total amount of sleep at night was what helped improvements in cognition.
Clinical findings are clear: Treating apnea with CPAP therapy increases oxygen levels to the patient's brain. The improved oxygen levels to the brain can be helpful for a patient dealing with Alzheimer's disease.
There are other problems for older adults with poor nighttime sleep:
1. Increase chance of depression.
3. Lack of concentration and poor memory.
3. Daytime drowsiness.
4. Higher risk of nighttime falls.
5. Addiction to over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids (many of which, ironically, can make your apnea even worse!) - 20897
About the Author:
Pam McKee is the director of Clinical Support at MySleepMask.com, a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider of CPAP equipment. She has designed a sleep apnea handbook to help new apnea patients learn the ropes, downloadable for free at MySleepMask.com.
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