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Study links sleep apnea to damage in brain areas critical for memory

Researchers led by Bryce A. Mander published a study on May 7, 2025, in Neurology linking obstructive sleep apnea during REM sleep to brain degeneration in 37 older adults without cognitive impairment.
The study investigated how airway blockages during sleep cause oxygen drops that may damage small blood vessels, especially affecting brain areas critical for memory consolidation during REM sleep.
The research measured blood oxygen levels, white matter hyperintensities, and brain volume changes in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, linking greater oxygen desaturation to more brain tissue damage and thinner entorhinal cortices.
Mander explained that their research offers insight into the ways obstructive sleep apnea may lead to memory-related brain damage, which in turn could be linked to the cognitive impairments seen in older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
The study reveals a significant link, though not a proven cause-and-effect relationship, between oxygen desaturation from sleep apnea and brain deterioration, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of sleep apnea to help protect cognitive function.

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Study links sleep apnea to damage in brain areas critical for memory

Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes lower oxygen levels during sleep, is linked to degeneration of brain regions associated with memory through damage to the brain's small blood vessels, according to a study published May 7, 2025, online in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

10 days ago·United States

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TotalNews Agency USA Español

A frequent sleep disorder is related to cognitive impairment and memory problems

One study showed that decreased oxygen during rest affects brain regions associated with memories ByHealthDay News (HealthDay News) – Sleep apnea may be costing your brain capacity and increasing your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, says a recent study. The drop in oxygen levels in your blood that occurs during an episode of sleep apnea seems to be related to the degeneration of brain regions associated with memory, researchers reporte…

8 days ago

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