Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement control, often leading to tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination
A new study has revealed that people suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are at an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The research, conducted by the VA Portland Health Care System in Oregon, USA, sheds light on a possible link between the sleep disorder and the neurodegenerative condition, suggesting that OSA could contribute to the onset of Parkinson’s disease in older adults.
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway and causing breathing interruptions. This results in a pattern of fragmented sleep, with the person often waking up multiple times throughout the night to breathe. This disruption in sleep can lead to lowered oxygen levels in the blood, which, according to the researchers, may have a negative impact on brain health.
For the study, researchers analyzed over 20 years of medical records, focusing on nearly 1.6 million older adults who were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea. They assessed the rates of Parkinson’s disease in individuals five years after being diagnosed with OSA, adjusting for factors like age, sex, and other health conditions such as smoking. The findings were striking: the study revealed that individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea had 1.8 more cases of Parkinson’s disease per 1,000 people compared to those without the sleep disorder.
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement control, often leading to tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination. In addition to its motor symptoms, many individuals with Parkinson’s disease also suffer from sleep-related issues, making sleep disorders a common non-motor symptom in these patients. The researchers suggested that the interrupted sleep patterns and reduced oxygen levels associated with OSA may contribute to the neurodegenerative processes that lead to Parkinson’s.
A notable aspect of the study is the potential mitigating role of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, where pressurized air is delivered through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep. The study found that using CPAP therapy within two years of being diagnosed with sleep apnoea significantly reduced the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, it was found that individuals using CPAP experienced 2.3 fewer cases of Parkinson’s disease per 1,000 people compared to those who did not use the device.
“This study highlights an important connection between obstructive sleep apnoea and Parkinson’s disease,” said Gregory D. Scott, a researcher at the VA Institute. “While it’s concerning that sleep apnoea could increase the risk of Parkinson’s, the good news is that people can take proactive steps to reduce that risk by starting CPAP therapy soon after being diagnosed with sleep apnoea.”
The study’s results are particularly significant considering the widespread nature of obstructive sleep apnoea. Previous research has shown that untreated OSA is already linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes. Now, this new evidence suggests that individuals with OSA may also face an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Parkinson’s disease, while affecting a relatively small portion of the population, can have a profound impact on individuals and their families, making early intervention and risk reduction strategies all the more critical. Given the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea, which often goes undiagnosed or untreated, this study highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders as part of an overall strategy for preventing or delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
The findings of the study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting, which is scheduled to take place from April 5-9 in San Diego, US. The research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that sleep disorders could be a significant factor in the development of various neurological conditions, and underscores the need for further exploration into the links between sleep apnoea and Parkinson’s disease. With the ongoing rise in awareness about the health risks associated with obstructive sleep apnoea, experts are hopeful that timely interventions like CPAP therapy could play a key role in reducing not only cardiovascular risks but also the chances of developing Parkinson’s disease.
