Sleep Apnea Link to Alzheimer's Disease

[Grand-PAP]

Sleep Apnea doubles a person's risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Hi,

I often see posters who express such frustration that they are considering discontinuing therapy. Immediately a gang of posters jump in and attempt to give the information and support that will motivate them to stay on therapy.

Well, if you need another reason . . .

I just watched a PBS special conducted by Daniel G. Amen MD. He is the author of this book: Use Your Brain to Change Your Age.

During the show he mentioned this statistic:

"A person with Sleep Apnea doubles the risk for Alzheimer's Disease." He further stated, "the brain scan of a person with Sleep Apnea looks like the brain of a person with early Alzheimer's."

(Excuse me -- I'm gonna' go put my mask on!)

[So Well]

Correlation only?

or

Cause and effect?

If the latter, which is the cause and which is the effect?

[Grand-PAP]

Correlation only?

or

Cause and effect?

?

Good question. He didn't say. However, the entire program "appeared" to be regarding things that negatively impact the brain. On second thought, maybe he did. He used that statistic while discussing insomnia and how sleep apnea can deprive the brain of necessary oxygen.

For this post, in a way, I guess it doesn't matter. 1) Correlation only, 2) Alzheimer's causes Sleep Apnea or 3) Sleep Apnea cause Alzheimer's -- Each of them would support maintaining effective xPAP therapy.

[So Well]

For this post, in a way, I guess it doesn't matter. 1) Correlation only, 2) Alzheimer's causes Sleep Apnea or 3) Sleep Apnea cause Alzheimer's -- Each of them would support maintaining effective xPAP therapy.

Not.

If 2, then I have no desire to be treated. The sooner out, the better.

[Emilia]

This lecture is very interesting..... a study in which elderly patients (some with and some without Dx'd OSA) are given cpap and the results on cognitive function are interesting! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM-l5D3Tzig

[nazanian]

For this post, in a way, I guess it doesn't matter. 1) Correlation only, 2) Alzheimer's causes Sleep Apnea or 3) Sleep Apnea cause Alzheimer's -- Each of them would support maintaining effective xPAP therapy.

Not.

If 2, then I have no desire to be treated. The sooner out, the better.

What if you get an early Alzheimer diagnosis?