Sleep apnea linked to increased risk of Parkinson’s, but CPAP may reduce risk

New research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, but early treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) could help reduce this risk. In a large-scale study analyzing data from over 1.5 million veterans with OSA and 9.7 million without, researchers found that individuals with untreated OSA were more likely to develop Parkinson’s within five years compared to those without the sleep disorder. Since OSA affects oxygen levels and brain function during sleep, scientists have long suspected a link to neurodegenerative diseases. This study adds to growing evidence that sleep-related breathing issues may play a role in brain health. Early CPAP Treatment May Lower Parkinson’s Risk The study also found that when OSA patients started CPAP therapy within two years of diagnosis, their risk of developing Parkinson’s was significantly lower than those who delayed or never used the treatment. Among veterans who began CPAP within this early window, about seven in 1,000 developed Parkinson’s within five years, compared to nine in 1,000 among those who did not use CPAP or started it later. These findings suggest that treating OSA promptly could be an important step in reducing potential neurological risks. While this study provides promising insights, researchers note some limitations, including uncertainty about whether patients consistently used CPAP as prescribed. Future studies will need to track individuals over longer periods to confirm these findings. However, the results underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea—not only for heart and lung health but also for long-term brain function.