What the study found
A new, large-scale analysis using more than 11 million medical records has found a concerning link between untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) later in life. The study, which followed diverse populations over several years, indicates that individuals with untreated OSA faced a substantially higher likelihood of a PD diagnosis compared with those without sleep apnea. Importantly, the researchers accounted for common confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidities to isolate the potential impact of sleep-disordered breathing on neurodegeneration.
Experts describe the finding as biologically plausible given what is known about how interrupted breathing during sleep can influence brain health. OSA repeatedly deprives the brain of oxygen and causes repeated nighttime arousals that can trigger inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and disruptions in neural signaling. Over time, these factors might contribute to the neurodegenerative pathways associated with Parkinson’s disease.
How strong is the association?
While no observational study can prove cause and effect, the study’s authors report a robust association that persisted after statistical adjustments. People with untreated OSA had a higher rate of PD diagnoses compared with matched controls who did not have sleep apnea. The magnitude of risk, often described as “double,” aligns with a growing body of evidence suggesting sleep health is a key brain health pillar in aging populations.
Researchers caution that the observed link does not imply every person with OSA will develop PD. Instead, it highlights a potential increased susceptibility when sleep-disordered breathing remains untreated across many years. The data underscore the importance of recognizing OSA not merely as a daytime fatigue issue but as a condition with broader, long-term neurological implications.
What might drive the connection?
Several mechanisms could explain how untreated OSA contributes to PD risk. Recurrent hypoxia during sleep can trigger neuronal stress and the accumulation of abnormal proteins linked to Parkinson’s. Sleep fragmentation and altered circadian rhythms can disrupt the brain’s glymphatic system, which helps clear waste products during sleep. Chronic inflammation and sympathetic nervous system activation are also common in OSA and may contribute to neurodegenerative vulnerability over time. While these ideas are biologically plausible, more research is needed to establish direct causal pathways and to identify which patients are most at risk.
Implications for prevention and treatment
The findings carry practical implications for clinicians and patients. First and foremost, diagnosing and treating OSA could be a modifiable pathway to potentially lower long-term PD risk. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oral devices, weight management, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and sleep hygiene are standard approaches to managing OSA. Ensuring adherence to treatment is crucial, as even mild improvements in sleep quality may offer brain health benefits over time.
Healthcare providers may also consider heightened neurological monitoring for individuals with a history of untreated OSA, particularly as they age. Early detection of motor or non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s could enable timely interventions and better quality of life, even if a definitive disease-modifying therapy remains elusive.
What to tell patients and caregivers
For patients who know someone with OSA or who suspect they themselves have it, the message is clear: seek evaluation and discuss treatment options with a healthcare professional. If you’re already diagnosed with OSA, stay engaged with your care plan, monitor symptoms, and maintain follow-up appointments. Emerging research underscores the broader value of treating sleep disorders—not only for daytime alertness and cardiovascular health but potentially for long-term brain resilience as well.
Bottom line
The association between untreated sleep apnea and increased Parkinson’s risk adds urgency to addressing sleep-disordered breathing. While further studies are needed to confirm causation and to refine prevention strategies, the current evidence supports a proactive approach: diagnose, treat, and optimize sleep health as part of comprehensive brain health planning for aging individuals.
