Sleep Apnea Linked to BRAIN SHRINKAGE

Some things are quick tickets to a shortened time here on Earth.

Smoking, abusing drugs, eating junk food, and chronic sleep issues all come to mind.

Sleep apnea makes the list too. At least when it goes untreated.

In fact, it’s a DOUBLE whammy for anyone who wants to live a long, healthy life. Because sleep apnea trashes your sleep AND reduces your body’s oxygen levels.

But that isn’t even the worst of it. Because research has now revealed a whole NEW threat that could send you to an early grave.

And no one saw this one coming

You’ve probably heard of amyloid plaques before. They are protein deposits sometimes found in the brain’s gray matter.

Amyloid plaques are most often associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In some cases, the plaques appear to gum up the brain’s ability to work normally.

But they can ALSO show up in the brains of healthy, dementia-free folks.

Now a new study published in the journal, Neurology, has uncovered another disturbing link…

Researchers found that in a worrying number of cases, cognitively healthy folks with both amyloid plaques and severe sleep apnea also turned out to have hidden areas of atrophy in their grey matter.

In other words, their brains were shrinking.

You don’t need me to tell you that having less brain volume is NOT a good thing. But now we’re left with even more questions that need answers.

  • Does sleep apnea trigger an increase in amyloid plaque production, leading to smaller brain size?
  • Does the presence of both plaque and sleep apnea increase the risk of Alzheimer’s?

Obviously, more research is needed. But one thing we DO know is sleep apnea harms your health.

It increases your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. And it appears we can now add brain atrophy to that list.

So if you have the condition, the sooner you tackle it, the better off you’ll be.

The trouble is many folks don’t even know they have sleep apnea. You likely have the condition if you snore loudly or gasp for air during the night. And your best bet is to ask your partner if he/she observed it (or had to plug their ears to avoid the snoring).

If you suspect sleep apnea, see your doctor as soon as possible. They can order a home sleep study to diagnose or rule out the condition.

An APAP (automatic positive air pressure) or CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine is the best treatment for sleep apnea.

It can be challenging to learn to sleep with one. But most people get used to it with a bit of practice. And needless to say, the benefits are ENORMOUS… and may even include avoiding Alzheimer’s.

In addition, most folks with apnea are carrying around a few too many pounds. Studies have found that losing the extra weight can improve or even CURE the condition.

Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and sedative drugs can also help. And some folks find getting a bed that allows them to raise their head when they sleep reduces their apnea episodes.

P.S. Researchers say one common habit could INCREASE your sleep apnea risk by a shocking 78 percent! CLICK HERE for the details.

Source:

“Association of Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy in Cognitively Unimpaired Amyloid-Positive Older Adults,” Neurology May 2023, 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207421; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207421

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First

Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s   more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...

Read This

Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”

Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...

Read This

The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track

Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...

Read This

Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain

Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...

Read This

Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries

“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...

Read This

Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds

In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...

Read This

Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk

With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...

Read This

Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health

If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...

Read This

Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin

If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...

Read This

Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT

“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...

Read This