Untreated Sleep Apnea and Your Brain

GAHANNA, OH – A study in the February 2010 issue of the journal SLEEP found reduced amounts of brain “gray matter” in multiple areas of the brains of patients suffering from severe sleep apnea.  This study suggests that many of the problems that go along with untreated sleep apnea:  memory loss, heart disturbances, breathing and blood pressure issues may be linked to these changes in the brain.

“Gray matter” refers to the cerebral cortex of the brain, where most of the processing takes place.  It is a layer of tissue that is gray in appearance because it lacks the myelin insulation that makes most other parts of the brain appear white.

Seung Bong Hong, MD, PhD of the University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea said the study emphasizes the importance of diagnosing and effectively treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

“Poor sleep quality and progressive brain damage induced by OSA could be responsible for poor memory, emotional problems decreased cognitive functioning and increased cardiovascular disturbances.  Dr. Hong suggested that treatment of OSA could stop further progression of brain damage in patients with severe OSA.  While the optimal treatment for severe OSA is the CPAP – continuous positive airway pressure – many patients cannot tolerate sleeping with the CPAP machine.  Oral appliance therapy is an alternative that is fully endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as an appropriate first line therapy for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.  More severe sleep apnea sufferers who cannot use CPAP may also benefit.

If you have been told that your snore loudly, if you are sleepy during the day and especially if you wake up gasping for breath or choking, speak to Dr. Mark Levy about his approach to diagnosing and treating your condition.  Dr Levy is located in Gahanna, but serves all of the Columbus area so please contact us at 614-454-3488 to schedule your consultation today.