How Obstructive Sleep Apnea Impacts Your Brain: The Hidden Connection

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This happens because the airway becomes blocked. OSA can lead to lower oxygen levels in the body and cause people to wake up multiple times during the night, even if they don't realize it. This study shows that OSA can have a serious impact on brain health, potentially leading to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and even diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

OSA affects about 9-38% of the general adult population. The prevalence is higher among men (13-33%) than women (6-19%). Among middle-aged adults (ages 30-60), the prevalence of OSA is estimated to be around 26% for men and 13% for women. In people over the age of 60, the prevalence of OSA can be as high as 45-65%. The prevalence of OSA is significantly higher in obese individuals, with estimates suggesting that up to 70% of obese people may have OSA. OSA also occurs in children, with estimates ranging from 1-5% of children being affected, though it is most common in those who are overweight or have enlarged tonsils.

Previous research has shown that people with OSA often experience changes in their brain structure. This can lead to problems with memory, paying attention, and making decisions. Severe OSA can cause parts of the brain to shrink, especially areas that help us think and remember. The study found that people with OSA are more likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. OSA can make the brain age faster, which can lead to these serious conditions. Using treatments like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) can help improve some of the problems caused by OSA, such as memory and attention issues. However, it's important to know that treatment can't completely undo the damage, which is why catching OSA early is so important.

In Bridgeport, like in many other cities, there are a lot of people dealing with chronic health problems that can make OSA worse. It's important for people to be aware of OSA and take steps to manage it. Here's what you can do:

• Get Screened: If you or someone you know snores loudly, feels very tired during the day, or has trouble focusing, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor about getting tested for OSA.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases the risk of OSA. Eating a balanced diet and staying active can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol, especially before bed, can make OSA worse. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol can help improve your sleep.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can help you sleep better and reduce the risk of OSA. Even just walking for 30 minutes a day can make a big difference.
• Use CPAP If Recommended: If your doctor prescribes a CPAP machine, use it as directed. It might take some time to get used to, but it can greatly improve your sleep and protect your brain health.
• Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your sleep.

OSA is more than just a sleep disorder-it can have serious effects on your brain health. In Bridgeport, where many people may already be dealing with other health issues, taking steps to prevent and manage OSA is important. By staying active, eating healthy, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and getting regular checkups, you can protect your brain and improve your overall well-being.

Prevalence - a term used in health to describe how common a certain condition or disease is in a specific population at a given time. It tells us the percentage or proportion of people who have that condition out of the total number of people in that group.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) - a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts because your throat muscles relax too much, blocking your airway. This can cause snoring, tiredness during the day, and serious health problems if not treated.

1. Weihs, A., Frenzel, S., Grabe, H. J. (2021). The Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Neurodegeneration and Cognition. *Current Sleep Medicine Reports*, 7, 87-96. doi:10.1007/s40675-021-00210-5.