Severe hypoxia: sleep apnea increases the risk of dementia



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Can oxygen deprivation reduce brain regions?

Sleep apnea is a common condition that negatively affects breathing during sleep. Researchers have now found that hypoxia-induced sleep apnea results in narrowing of certain areas of the brain that are also affected by dementia.

Researchers at the University of Sydney discovered that sleep apnea could promote the development of dementia. Doctors published the results of their study in the English journal "European Respiratory Journal".

With a special respiratory mask, nocturnal interruptions of obstructive sleep apnea can usually be avoided. (Photo: BVDC / fotolia.com)

The badociation between sleep apnea and narrowed brain regions has been identified

Sleep apnea is a common condition in which a no one has frequent breathing breaks or a flat breathing while sleeping. Experts have now observed in their research that the depletion of sleep apnea is related to the narrowing of brain regions, which also play an important role in memorizing and learning new information. Subjects with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had reduced thickness in their temporal lobes. In addition, they had worse results on memory tests

Should sleep clinics perform memory tests?

Screening could identify obstructive sleep apnea, which could help prevent memory deterioration. is offered during sleep, explain the doctors. The findings suggest that obstructive sleep apnea should be sought especially in the elderly, says study author Sharon Naismith Professor of the University of Sydney. Elderly patients should talk to sleep clinic experts about memory problems and reasoning skills. If necessary, tests should also be carried out.

83 subjects were studied for study

Sleep apnea is common in the elderly. Obese people are often affected. Sleep apnea increases the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep disorders. All of these factors are also badociated with dementia, experts say. For their study, the researchers studied a total of 83 people aged 51 to 88 years, who had previously had their memory problems, which may be an early sign of dementia. None of these participants had previously been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

Minimized temporal lobes causing lower information storage

Subjects were each subjected to memory tests and MRIs to evaluate the thickness of their brain. In addition, subjects visited a sleep clinic, where their blood oxygen levels were measured during the night. It turned out that people whose blood oxygen level was lower had shrunk the right and left temporal lobes. These individuals were less able to store new information

Does lack of oxygen trigger inflammation in the brain?

The researchers also found an increase in thickness in other areas of the brain, indicating signs of hypoxia and inflammation. The swelling could be. The research team is now studying whether people in this risk group can benefit from treatment with a respirator and mask.

Lifestyle factors greatly affect the risk of dementia

There is no cure for dementia. says Professor Naismith. The treatment with a ventilator and mask is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea can be a way to prevent cognitive decline before that it is too late. It is believed that up to 50 percent of a person's risk of dementia is caused by preventable lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. The influence of sleep disorders is studied in more detail. (As)

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