Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to be associated with cognitive decline. The most common thought of disease associated with cognitive decline is Alzheimer’s Disease. Research into the causes of this disease have taken many paths. One of the most recent investigations has involved studies of the way in which the brain eliminates various metabolic compounds from its own tissue.
Recently, researchers have been looking at the way in which the brain clears these compounds through the usual flow of cerebral spinal fluid which surrounds the brain. Several of the compounds of interest are amyloid beta and tau proteins. Accumulation of these proteins in the brain has been found in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and are thought to be the chemical brain markers for this disease.
Since OSA is associated with cognitive decline it was reasonable to see if the mechanism of clearing proteins such as those associated with Alzheimer’s Disease was disrupted in OSA patients. The science behind this type of investigation is complex. However, recent evidence from these studies reveals that disruption in the clearing mechanism of the brain of amyloid beta and tau proteins does occur in OSA.
Repetitive arousal’s in OSA may be one common link in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. OSA is treated with C-PAP therapy which can be very effective. The bottom line here is to understand that accurately diagnosing your sleep disorder may have more than just the benefit of improved sleep. C-PAP therapy may help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.
