New research shows that untreated obstructive sleep apnea may greatly increase the long-term risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. In a study following more than 11 million adults for two decades, people who did not treat their sleep apnea were far more likely to develop this neurodegenerative condition. The link remained strong even after accounting for age, weight and blood pressure.
Sleep apnea repeatedly cuts off oxygen to the brain during the night, placing stress on neurons and disrupting the body’s normal repair cycles. Over many years, this constant strain may speed up biological pathways tied to neurodegeneration. The findings suggest that improving sleep quality and keeping oxygen levels stable at night may help protect long-term brain health.
Using continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, made a major difference. People who used CPAP consistently were nearly half as likely to develop Parkinson’s compared with those who left sleep apnea untreated. The results highlight that deep, uninterrupted sleep — and correcting oxygen drops — may play a key role in slowing age-related neurological decline.
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