Sleep Apnea Causes Brain Damage

February 4, 2010

A new study in the journal Sleep revealed that using special MRI imaging techniques, untreated sleep apnea patients have significantly decreased concentrations of gray matter in certain predictable areas of the brain. This means that the density of neurons is much lower than normal. The average AHI was 52, and on initial inspection of the MRI, there were no obvious structural abnormalities, with no differences in the total volume. However, gray matter density was significantly lower for sleep apnea patients in various areas of the brain that serves important functions such as memory, breathing, cardiovascular function, and autonomic function.

This study complements a prior study that showed that OSA patients have multiple dysfunctional areas of the brain.

I think the implications of this study along with various other similar studies are profound. What this means is that if you have obstructive sleep apnea, you can literally kill off certain parts of  your brain, that preferentially control your memory, executive function, your breathing patterns, and even your your heart rate. Could this be an alternate explanation for central sleep apnea? Maybe this is also why not all patients that use CPAP feel significantly better—perhaps the damage is irreversible. What's frightening is that you can suffer permanent brain damage long before your sleep apnea is even picked up and treated. 

Take a look at the abstract and read the paper if possible. What do you think about these findings? Please enter your opinions in the text box below.

Written by Steven Park · Filed Under Blog 
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3 Responses to “Sleep Apnea Causes Brain Damage”

  1. Roger V on February 5th, 2010 7:07 pm

    It sounds plausible to me and is consistent with my experience after years of undiagnosed sleep apnea. I have MCI including ADD and memory loss.
    The UCLA study on mammilary bodies referred to thiamine therapy for the brain. Do you think this is worth pursuing? What type of doctor would be most familiar with thiamine therapy?

  2. Per Laursen on February 9th, 2010 11:30 am

    I am a well CPAP-treated OSA patient,  and for years ago I realised that I have had a brain injury from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The cognitive problems in Sleep Apnea seems to be irriversible, despite 100% use every night of CPAP for 9 years.
    All the other patients I have been in contact with in Denmark ,suffers more or less from the same pattern in cognitive symptoms, as I have noticed by myself.
    Problems with short term/working memory, concentration, motivation, mood and high blod pressure.
    I think that "CPAP stops the accident", but does'nt  give you back the braincells that suffered lack of oxygen for years.
    Some Doctors seems to be aware of this and others does'nt.
    I think that the reason why the thruth about apnea, is so slow to be spread is, that in the years before we are diagnosed properly, we are alle cash cows to the medical industry, because the only treatment we are met with are drugs, drugs and drugs. Tons of medicine to controle our blood pressure, depressions, and even sleep medicin wich can kill, if you are suffering from undiscovered Apnea . The plain truth is that  no drugs can replace the lack of sleep and oxygen.   
    But despite my advice to everyone of you are, to use your CPAP every time you sleep. Believe me, It can really get a lot worse if you dont.    
      

  3. Vik Tantry on February 9th, 2010 3:27 pm

    Looks interesting – will definitely check it out!

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Steven Y. Park, M.D. 330 West 58th Street, Suite 610 New York, NY 10019 Tel: 212-315-9058 Fax: 212-315-9558