Sleep Disruption Linked to Alzheimer's Risk
Released on: March 06, 2012, 1:38 am
Author:
Bernard L. Greenbaum
Industry:
Healthcare
A full night of sleep is needed for good health but as a
Bethesda sleep apnea dentist I know many people have sleep that is
disrupted throughout the night. A new study shows that people who have
disrupted sleep were more likely to be at risk for memory problems and
Alzheimer's disease.
According to study author Dr. Yo-El Ju "Disrupted sleep appears to be associated
with the build-up of amyloid plaques, a hallmark marker of Alzheimer's disease, in
the brains of people without memory problems. Further research is needed to
determine why this is happening and whether sleep changes may predict cognitive
decline." The study showed that people who slept soundly throughout the night were
5 times less likely to have the plaque buildup. The researchers are not sure of the
direction of the relationship, whether the sleep disruption is causing the brain
changes or if brain changes are disrupting sleep. More research will be needed.
Sleep can be disrupted for any number of reasons; a barking dog, insomnia, a bed
partner's loud snoring or sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is especially dangerous because
it affects the sleep of the person with the disease and also disrupts the sleep of
that persons bed partner. The loud snoring and gasping throughout the night are not
remembered by the sleep apnea patient but the spouse can describe the entire night
in great detail. If you experience loud snoring and daytime tiredness you may have
obstructive sleep apnea.
Please contact Bethesda sleep medicine dentist, Dr. Bernard L. Greenbaum at
301-530-3600 to arrange for your screening for obstructive sleep apnea.
Contact Details: Bethesda Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
6410 Rockledge Drive, #106
Bethesda, MD 20817
301-530-3600
greatsmiles@greenbaumdds.com
greenbaumdds.com