Can Sleep Apnea Damage Your Brain Health?

Are you one of the more than 25 million Americans affected by sleep apnea? You may be accustomed to waking up frequently at night, feeling tired during the day, and listening to your partner complain about your snoring. However, did you know that sleep apnea can also negatively impact your brain health? New research has revealed a troubling link between sleep apnea and memory loss as well as physical brain damage. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of sleep apnea and how your dentist in Weatherford can help.

Sleep Apnea and Memory Loss

Organizing and storing memories so they can be recalled later is an important part of the memory-creating process that occurs during sleep. However, research suggests that people with sleep apnea have trouble incorporating and categorizing their experiences. This can contribute to impaired memory formation and forgetfulness. In fact, a new study led by RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, found that people with untreated obstructive sleep apnea had problems recalling specific details about their own lives. The scientists behind the study believe that the struggle to remember autobiographical details could make people more vulnerable to depression.

Sleep Apnea and Brain Tissue Damage

New research has also shed light on the fact that sleep apnea can cause measurable damage to the brain. In a study published in Sleep Journal, a group of sleep apnea patients was found to have significant reductions in gray matter in certain areas of the brain. The principal investigator of the study concluded that sleep apnea could contribute to poor memory, emotional problems, decreased cognitive functioning, and increased cardiovascular problems. A separate sleep apnea study from UCLA in 2008 found structural changes to white matter in the brain, especially in areas that regulate mood, memory, and blood pressure.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Ready for some good news? According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, studies on people with significant brain damage due to sleep apnea found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment almost completely restored their white matter after a year. In addition, sleep apnea therapy substantially improved their gray matter after only three months.

If you are affected by sleep apnea, don’t wait to talk to your dentist about how to alleviate your symptoms. Depending on your unique situation, they may recommend CPAP treatment or oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance is a custom mouthguard worn at night to keep your airway safely open. Many patients find this small device more comfortable than a CPAP machine, which pumps oxygen through a face mask.

Contact your dentist in Weatherford today to protect your brain health and reclaim a good night’s sleep.

About the Author

Deborah A. Romack has over 20 years of experience helping patients overcome sleep apnea. A proud graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Romack has attended numerous continuing education courses about airway obstruction, snoring, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). To learn more about brain health and sleep apnea therapy, visit the Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine website or call 817-594-3806.