Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 3: A recent study has revealed that individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea face a heightened risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The condition, which occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep, repeatedly disrupts breathing and reduces oxygen levels, potentially impacting brain health.

Researchers from the VA Portland Health Care System in Oregon, US, analyzed over 20 years of medical records, examining nearly 1.6 million older adults diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea. Their findings showed that, even after adjusting for factors like age, sex, and smoking, there were 1.8 more cases of Parkinson’s disease per 1,000 people in those with sleep apnoea compared to those without the disorder.

Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is commonly associated with sleep disturbances as one of its non-motor symptoms. However, the study also brought some positive news—early intervention with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy appeared to lower the risk. CPAP delivers pressurized air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep.

The research indicated that using CPAP within two years of a sleep apnoea diagnosis led to 2.3 fewer cases of Parkinson’s per 1,000 individuals compared to those who did not use the therapy.

Highlighting the significance of early treatment, Gregory D. Scott from the VA Institute noted that untreated sleep apnoea has already been linked to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. "Our study suggests an added concern with Parkinson’s disease, but the encouraging news is that CPAP treatment may help mitigate this risk if started promptly," he said.

The findings are set to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting, scheduled from April 5-9 in San Diego, US.