A new study shows that people who do not treat their obstructive sleep apnea may face a much higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
The good news is that using a common sleep treatment, known as CPAP, could help lower that risk.
The research was led by experts from Oregon Health & Science University and the Portland VA Health Care System. It was published in the journal JAMA Neurology.
The study used health records from more than 11 million U.S. military veterans who received care from the Department of Veterans Affairs between 1999 and 2022. This makes it one of the largest studies of its kind.
Parkinson’s disease is a serious brain disorder that slowly gets worse over time. It causes problems with movement, balance, and other body functions. It affects nearly 1 million people in the United States, and the risk of developing it increases with age—especially after age 60.
The study found a strong link between untreated sleep apnea and Parkinson’s. Sleep apnea happens when a person’s breathing stops and starts many times during the night. This can reduce oxygen levels in the brain and disturb sleep. Over time, this lack of oxygen might damage brain cells, including the ones affected by Parkinson’s.
To treat sleep apnea, many people use a device called CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). CPAP delivers steady airflow through a mask while a person sleeps, helping to keep the airway open and prevent breathing pauses.
The researchers found that veterans who had sleep apnea and did not use CPAP were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s compared to those who used CPAP therapy. The connection remained strong even after considering other risk factors such as age, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Dr. Gregory Scott, one of the study authors, emphasized that the results do not mean everyone with sleep apnea will develop Parkinson’s. But it does show that not treating sleep apnea can raise the chances.
Lead author Dr. Lee Neilson explained that low oxygen during sleep likely affects how the brain works. When breathing is disrupted night after night for years, it may increase the risk of brain diseases like Parkinson’s. By using CPAP, people can protect their brain by making sure it gets enough oxygen while they sleep.
Dr. Neilson also said that this new information will change how he talks to his patients about sleep health. He plans to focus more on the importance of treating sleep apnea early.
Some people are nervous about using CPAP, but the study’s authors say many veterans report feeling much better once they start using it. They feel more alert, less tired, and now there’s another reason to give it a try—lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
This research offers strong evidence that treating sleep apnea can do more than improve sleep. It might also help prevent serious brain diseases. The findings highlight the importance of sleep health as part of long-term brain protection.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies that Vitamin B may slow down cognitive decline, and Mediterranean diet could help lower risk of Parkinson’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing Plant-based diets could protect cognitive health from air pollution.
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