As we get older, many face two different but related threats to our brains. On one hand, the chances of sleep apnea increase. Our risk of dementia or Alzheimers also increases. Unfortunately, if you have untreated apnea, your chances of Alzheimers increases. But there is a solution.
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 medical studies focused on treating the sleep apnea of patients with Alzheimer's disease, the patients showed improvements in cognition related to the total amount of sleep from night to night.
Over the last few years, clinical studies suggest that treating sleep apnea helps increase oxygen levels to the brain. This additional oxygen can be helpful for some Alzheimers patients.
You should know the other problems for older adults with sleep problems:
1. Higher chances of depression
2. Problems with maintaining focus and remembering.
3. Lack of energy and feeling sleepy all day.
4. Higher risk of nighttime falls.
5. Abuse of prescription sleeping pills (the worst part, many pills make your apnea worse). - 16004
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 medical studies focused on treating the sleep apnea of patients with Alzheimer's disease, the patients showed improvements in cognition related to the total amount of sleep from night to night.
Over the last few years, clinical studies suggest that treating sleep apnea helps increase oxygen levels to the brain. This additional oxygen can be helpful for some Alzheimers patients.
You should know the other problems for older adults with sleep problems:
1. Higher chances of depression
2. Problems with maintaining focus and remembering.
3. Lack of energy and feeling sleepy all day.
4. Higher risk of nighttime falls.
5. Abuse of prescription sleeping pills (the worst part, many pills make your apnea worse). - 16004
About the Author:
Pam McKee is the director of Clinical Support at MySleepMask.com, a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider of CPAP masks and equipment. She has designed a sleep apnea handbook for new apnea patients, instantly available for free at MySleepMask.com.
