Alzheimer’s and Apnea?: Avoid Two Threats with One Treatment
Certainly there are many health risks associated with aging. The biggest threats to brain function being two different but related threats. For many, the chances of sleep apnea increases with age and a more sedentary lifestyle. At the same rate so does the likelihood of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Many studies confirm that if you have untreated sleep apnea then you are more at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. There are preventative measure that you can consider.
Why should apnea matter for the brain? Apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that causes your body to stop breathing during sleep. It is more common among older adults and overweight people.
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.
Medical research now confirms that when a patient with Alzheimer’s disease has their sleep apnea treated then memory, decision making and mood improve.
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. Higher chances of depression
2. Problems with maintaining focus and remembering.
3. Excessive daytime sleepiness.
4. The chance of falling at night increases.
5. Addiction to pharmaceutical sleep aids (ironically, many of these sleeping pills worsen your apnea).
Tags: aging, alzheimer's disease, apnea, baby boomer, brain function, cardiovascular, cpap, dementia, Depression, sleep disorder, sleep problems, stroke
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