Sleep condition shares link to Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
In this DML Report…
A study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and the Portland VA Health Care System analyzed electronic health records of over 11 million U.S. military veterans who received care between 1999 and 2022. From a screened group of 13.7 million veterans with an average age of 60, 1.5 million were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The findings revealed that veterans with OSA faced a 1.61 times higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease within six years compared to those without OSA, representing nearly a twofold increase. OSA involves frequent breathing interruptions that deprive the brain of oxygen, potentially damaging chemical messengers, with these episodes occurring hundreds of times per night over extended periods.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects approximately 30 million Americans, with 80% remaining undiagnosed, while another estimate places the figure at 57 million. Projections indicate a rise to 76 million cases by 2050, a 34% increase driven by factors including obesity, inactive lifestyles, and an aging population, with over half of sufferers being adults aged 65 and older. Parkinson's disease impacts about one million Americans, primarily seniors, causing motor symptoms such as tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness, and balance issues, alongside non-motor symptoms like loss of smell, constipation, sleep disorders, and depression. It disrupts the brain's dopamine system, leading to roughly 90,000 new U.S. diagnoses annually. Globally, cases are expected to exceed 25 million by 2050, a 76% increase from 2021, attributed to aging populations, environmental pollution like ozone and nitrogen dioxide, pesticide exposure, climate change, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets. Regular exercise several times a week could prevent about 5% of Parkinson's cases worldwide.
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Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which deliver oxygen to keep airways open and prevent breathing interruptions, can reduce the risk of Parkinson's in OSA patients. Untreated OSA patients showed a 31% higher risk compared to those using CPAP, and starting treatment within two years of diagnosis significantly lowered the risk relative to untreated individuals. CPAP helps maintain normal oxygen levels, supporting neuron function and building resilience against neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Lee Neilson, the lead author and a neurologist at Oregon Health & Science University, noted that intermittent breathing pauses in OSA reduce oxygen levels and impair neuron function over time, potentially linking it to Parkinson's, while CPAP improves energy and reduces tiredness. Dr. Gregory Scott, a pathologist at OHSU School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs hospital in Portland, emphasized that OSA increases Parkinson's chances but does not guarantee the disease.