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Snoring caused by sleep apnoea restricts oxygen to the brain and can damage nerve cells

Snoring caused by sleep apnoea – a condition which restricts oxygen supply to the brain – can damage nerve cells. 

Apnoea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting around 1.5 million people in the UK. 

It can be treated by wearing a mask in bed that blows air into the back of the throat. 

Professor Elizabeth Coulson, of the Queensland Brain Institute in Australia, said: “Treating sleep apnoea may reduce dementia risk.

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People who suffer from sleep apnoea are two to three times more likely of developing Alzheimer’s


People who suffer from sleep apnoea are two to three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease

Professor Elizabeth Coulson


“People who suffer from sleep apnoea are two to three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. This could be because hypoxia – lower levels of oxygen in the blood from poor breathing – causes nerve cell death.” 

In sleep apnoea, the muscles and soft tissue in the throat relax, blocking the airways. 

This interferes with breathing, often stopping it altogether for short periods many times a night. 

Twice as common in men as in women, it can begin at any time, including childhood. Many sufferers are unaware they have it. The symptoms are often noticed first by a partner. 

As well as heavy snoring, they include noisy and laboured breathing and repeated short periods of gasping or snorting. 

The link with dementia means treatment of the condition is more urgent than previously thought. 

Dr David Reynolds, chief scientific officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Previous studies have shown a link between obstructive sleep apnoea and changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. But it has been difficult to tease apart cause and effect from this research.

“It is not yet known whether treatments for sleep apnoea could help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, but ultimately, clinical trials are the best way to determine whether this approach could have a positive impact. 

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In sleep apnoea the muscles and soft tissue in the throat relax, blocking the airways

“This study, which will investigate whether a common treatment for sleep apnoea may protect against cognitive decline, could be an important first step to gaining a better understanding of this treatment’s impact on brain health.” 

He added: “Studies such as this one rely on people who generously volunteer to take part in research. Although this research is taking place in Australia, there are many UK studies in need of volunteers both with and without dementia, and anyone interested in taking part in research can register their interest at www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk.” 

In the Australian study, Professor Coulson and her colleagues are examining people aged 55 to 75 with sleep apnoea to see if wearing masks stops or slows down brain degeneration. 

Treatment consists of a plastic mask that fits over the nose and mouth and is connected to a machine that blows air under low pressure continually into the back of the throat. 

Professor Coulson said this keeps the airway open, helping maintain correct oxygen levels and allowing for better quality sleep. 

The response is immediate and obvious after only a few hours. 

Professor Pankaj Sah, director of the Queensland Brain Institute, said the research could lead to patients being treated much earlier. 

“Sleep disturbances can occur up to 10 years prior to Alzheimer’s disease,” he said. 

“Considering that Alzheimer’s affects roughly one third of the elderly population, this important research may inform preventative public health measures in the future.” 

Dr Clare Walton, research manager at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “For years researchers have been studying potential links between poor quality sleep and damage to the brain.

“However, a definite link between sleep apnoea and dementia has not yet been established.”



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