Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person repeatedly stops breathing while they sleep. Though anyone can be affected by the condition, it is primarily found in adults 60-years-old and older, and recent studies are beginning to explore reasons behind this correlation.
One noteworthy study from New York University’s School of Medicine has shown a link between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease, a common form of dementia that affects 1 in 3 seniors. According to the study, seniors with symptoms of sleep apnea are more likely to also have early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. This means that when physicians identify sleep apnea as the culprit behind a patient’s sleep troubles, they might also be able to detect Alzheimer’s disease long before it advances and worsens.
Being that Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, monitoring sleep apnea symptoms is important, even if the two conditions seem unrelated. Some common signs of sleep apnea include:
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- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
- Insomnia
- Choking, snorting or gasping during sleep
If you or a loved one is concerned about exhibiting signs of sleep apnea, and Alzheimer’s disease runs in the family, visit a primary care provider. Concierge practices, like Principal Medical Group, limit the number of patients they see each year so they have the time to get a full account of each patient’s symptoms, and evaluate possible causes. With unhurried appointments, patients are given time to feel comfortable talking with their primary care provider, and receive the highest-quality care. Contact PMG today to schedule a consultation.
