Caribbean L 40 ife, DECEMBER 6-12, 2019
Health
Snoring may lead
to Alzheimer’s
Snoring may seem
like a pesky yet minor
problem, but it can be
much more serious than
some people know. Although
snoring is a common
problem among all
ages and genders, the
National Sleep Foundation
says that men are
twice as likely to snore
as women, and snoring
can worsen with age.
The aging process
can lead to a relaxation
of the throat muscles,
resulting in snoring.
Furthermore, the NSF
says anatomical abnormalities
of the nose
and throat, illness and
other factors may also
contribute to snoring.
Drinking alcohol, which
can have an effect similar
to muscle relaxants,
in the evening can make
snoring worse.
While many people
may think snoring is a
mere nuisance, it actually
may be a symptom
of obstructive sleep apnea.
Over time, apnea
can be associated with
high blood pressure and
increased risks of heart
attack, stroke or death,
advises WebMD.
Now there is new evidence
that those with
obstructive sleep apnea
may be at a higher risk
of developing Alzheimer’s
disease as well. A
new study published in
the journal Neurology
found that people with
sleep apnea tended to
develop memory problems
and other signs of
cognitive impairment
earlier than people
without such sleep disorders.
Richard Osorio,
MD, a research assistant
professor of psychiatry
at the NYU Center
for Brain Health, found
that, among 2,000 people
studied, those who
reported having sleep
apnea or snoring tended
to develop signs of mild
cognitive impairment,
including memory
lapses and slower speed
on cognitive skills,
about 12 years earlier
on average than those
who didn’t report any
sleep-related breathing
issues. Mild cognitive
impairment often precedes
dementia related
to Alzheimer’s disease.
Some researchers believe
snoring and sleep
apnea may contribute
to a buildup of the toxic
protein in the brain
called beta-amyloid,
which is a hallmark of
Alzheimer’s disease and
other dementias.
If snoring has become
problematic, men
are urged to visit a doctor
or sleep specialist to
see which therapies can
be instituted to help improve
sleep and overall
health.