Study Finds People with Sleep Apnea Twice as Likely to Develop Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia has found that people with sleep apnea are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as people without sleep apnea.

The study, which was conducted over a period of 12 years, followed over 1,000 people with sleep apnea and over 1,000 people without sleep apnea. The researchers found that people with sleep apnea were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, even after taking into account other factors that could contribute to the development of the disease, such as age, gender, and race.

The researchers believe that the link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease may be due to the fact that sleep apnea disrupts sleep, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the brain. Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can happen when the airway becomes blocked, usually by the tongue or soft palate.

The study’s findings suggest that people with sleep apnea should be closely monitored for signs of Alzheimer’s disease. If you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Treatment for sleep apnea can help to improve your sleep and reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to the link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease, the study also found that people with sleep apnea were more likely to develop other cognitive problems, such as dementia and memory loss. The researchers say that these findings highlight the importance of treating sleep apnea early to prevent or delay the development of these other conditions.

The study’s findings are a reminder that sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on your health. If you think you may have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis and treatment.