Untreated Sleep Apnea Nearly Doubles Parkinson’s Risk

Adults with sleep apnea face nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those without the condition, according to a study published Monday in JAMA Neurology. Researchers analyzed medical records from over 11 million U.S. veterans treated between 1999 and 2022, finding 14 % had sleep apnea diagnoses. Veterans using CPAP machines within two years of diagnosis showed 30% lower Parkinson’s risk than untreated patients. The study suggests sleep apnea’s oxygen limitations may damage brain cells or disrupt the brain’s waste removal system. Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy of the University of Arizona called it the largest study to date linking sleep apnea and Parkinson’s, affecting 90,000 newly diagnosed Americans annually. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but early intervention “might make the biggest impact.” (Story URL)