Sleep Apnea and Alzheimers Can Threaten Baby Boomers

Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer’s Can Threaten Baby Boomers…Being a Baby Boomer can mean facing many threats to weakening brain functions and disorders. As we age our chances of sleep apnea increase and so does the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Medical studies reveal that untreated sleep apnea increases your chances of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. Fortunately there are treatments are available to reduce your risks.

What Is Apnea?
Apnea is a sleep related breathing disorder that many older adults and overweight people suffer from. Add the two together and your chances of apnea are even greater. Most apnea victims are undiagnosed, thus their apnea is left untreated. Why does it effect brain function, you ask? Because the body and brain receives less oxygen while you are asleep.

An other disease to be concerned about as a Baby Boomer is Alzheimer’s. Because with apnea, there is a link to Alzheimer’s. So, when you are at risk for apnea, it is not the only disease that is present. Apnea also increases you risk for high blood pressure, strokes, heart disease, and cognitive problems.

How Does One Treat Apnea?

The most common and safest therapy is CPAP (continual positive air pressure). CPAP provides a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask worn during sleep. This airflow keeps oxygen levels high and keeps the throat airway open, preventing the pauses in breathing that characterize apnea.

Will this treatment really help prevent Alzheimer’s? Recent medical research from a study conducted by Dr. Jana R. Cooke of UC San Diego followed 52 patients with both Alzheimer’s and sleep apnea. One group received CPAP therapy for six weeks and showed great improvements with cognitive abilities and tasks. The other group wore a placebo mask to bed without the improved benefits at the end of the study.

Medical research now confirms that when a patient with Alzheimer’s disease has their sleep apnea treated then memory, decision making and mood improve.

Continued clinical studies have proven that CPAP therapy will help increase oxygen levels to the brain. This benefits the brain function especially in patients with impaired memory, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

What Are Other Problems For Baby Boomers With Poor Night Time Sleep Or Apnea?

1. Higher likelihood of depression and other mood disorders.

2. Maintaining focus and remembering.

3. Tired during the day or excessive daytime sleepiness.

4. Unable to drive, safely.

5. Increase risk of falling.

6. Abuse of prescription sleeping pills. Which do not always make your apnea better but worsen the disease. Plus they are highly addictive.

7. Appetite loss.

Remember there are also natural ways to sleep. Exercise and you will sleep better. Go to your bedroom with a clear mind and then there are natural sleep aids that will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer’s Can Threaten Baby Boomers, but not if you can get your body to establish your circadian rhythm or natural sleep cycle and learn to relax and slip easily into peaceful, deep sleep.