Scientists have pointed to the influence of sleep breathing disorders on the development of Parkinson's

Sleep-related breathing disorders that remain untreated can almost double the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease. This was reported on November 27 in the journal Science Daily.

The team examined patient data from 1999 to 2022. The study included over 11 million people, making it one of the most extensive studies on the effects of nocturnal respiratory disorders.

As noted in the article, the probability of subsequent diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in people with night breathing disorders who did not use therapy was almost twice as high as in those who received regular respiratory support. This trend continued even after age, obesity, hypertension, and other risk factors were taken into account.

Co-author Gregory Scott, MD, associate professor of Pathology at the Medical School and pathologist, noted that the lack of therapy significantly increases the likelihood of the disease, although it does not mean it is inevitable.

Project leader and neurologist Lee Nilson pointed out that repeated episodes of decreased oxygen levels during sleep disrupt the normal functioning of neurons. He suggested that a prolonged decrease in oxygen levels during sleep creates additional stress on the nervous system, while regular therapy creates a kind of reserve of resistance to neurodegenerative processes.

Nilson added that the identified risk requires a review of clinical approaches to patients with respiratory disorders at night. According to him, sleep adjustment should be considered not only as a way to reduce daytime fatigue, but also as an investment in long-term brain health.

Earlier, on November 3, Science Daily magazine linked an improvement in sleep quality to a change in diet. According to the publication, eating fruits and vegetables contributes to a deeper and more restful sleep in the evening. At the same time, it was noted that lack of sleep can contribute to the transition to less healthy eating habits, including increased consumption of foods high in fat and sugar.

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