![]() ![]() The pool was split fairly evenly between people with mild (34%), moderate (32%), and severe (34%) sleep apnea.Įach participant had undergone a brain scan and overnight sleep study in a lab. Every participant had obstructive sleep apnea but did not have dementia before the study. The study included 140 people with an average age of 73. The link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s, dementia “Studying the brain effects of lifestyle factors demonstrates that what we do matters and really makes a difference in how successfully we age.” “Your family history of Alzheimer’s and your genes do not define your destiny for brain aging,” says David Merrill, MD, Ph.D., an adult and geriatric psychiatrist and director of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Pacific Brain Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. One sleep expert believes studies like this one are critical to raising awareness about brain health, sleep apnea, and ways people can reduce their risk for adverse outcomes (and developing the condition in the first place). “Finding that severe sleep apnea and a reduction in slow-wave sleep are associated with these biomarkers is important since there is no treatment for these changes in the brain, so we need to find ways to prevent them from happening or getting worse.” Carvalho, MD, MS, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology in a media release. “These biomarkers are sensitive signs of early cerebrovascular disease,” said study author Diego Z. Researchers suggested that individuals with sleep apnea who spend less time in deep sleep are more likely to have brain biomarkers associated with a heightened risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline. The research, published Wednesday in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, involved looking at sleep factors and biomarkers of brain health. ![]() Now, a new study is associating sleep apnea with poorer brain health, too. The CDC suggests that people with sleep apnea have a greater risk for cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, coronary heart disease, and irregular heartbeats. However, it’s more than a pesky, inconvenient problem. The sleep disorder sleep apnea is often - but not always - hallmarked by snoring, a nuisance for bed partners. Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that can also increase other health risks, including cardiovascular disease and hypertension.Findings from the research suggest that people who spend less time in deep sleep are more likely to have brain biomarkers associated with a heightened risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline.A new study published in Neurology indicates that sleep apnea and a lack of deep sleep are associated with poorer brain health.Cut down on alcohol: While alcohol might seem like it helps you fall asleep, in reality, it reduces the quality and period of deep sleep that you get.Share on Pinterest New research finds that a lack of deep sleep may cause your brain to age faster, leading to increased brain health risks including Alzheimer’s disease.However, it’s important to avoid caffeine at least 7 hours before you go to bed to have a good night’s sleep. No coffee before bed: Coffee lovers might drink cups of coffee around the clock when left to their own devices.Listen to white or pink noise: If you struggle a little with going to sleep at night, listening to some white or pink noise can help with that.Instead of these, consume more foods that are low in fat and high in protein and fiber. One study shows that eating less fiber and more fats and sugars can cause your sleep to be more disrupted. Have a healthy diet: There are many reasons to have a healthy diet, and getting quality sleep is one of them.Taking a hot shower before bed, or hitting the sauna are great ways to get some heat in. Spend some time in the sauna: Some research shows that heat can help you get better deep sleep.Exercise: Research shows that regular exercise can increase and improve the quality of your deep sleep.
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