According to findings of a study presented at the annual SLEEP meeting in San Antonio, patients who suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience a reduction in gray-matter volume in the brain. Results of the study show however, that after three-months of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, grey matter volume increases.
While OSA can occur in men and women of any age, it is commonly found in middle-aged, overweight men. Symptoms of the disorder include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, un-refreshing sleep, unintentionally falling asleep and insomnia. People with untreated OSA also often experience decreased awareness during the day and lower productivity.
Web-MD reports that results of the study show that patients with OSA had reductions in gray matter volume and a decrease in neuropscyhologic performance. After receiving CPAP therapy for three-months, these patients had a significant increase in both gray matter volume and great improvement in their scores on neuropsychologic testing.
No further improvement in gray matter volume was seen when patients were re-evaluated after one year of receiving CPAP therapy.
Findings of this study highlight the importance of adherence to CPAP therapy, as use results in significant improvements in patients’ overall well-being and contributes to the restoration of brain areas that are adversely affected by OSA.
The most common signs or symptoms of Sleep Apnea are snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness.
