Untreated Sleep Apnea Doubles Parkinson's Risk, CPAP Offers Protection
A groundbreaking study of over 11 million U.S. veterans reveals that untreated obstructive sleep apnea nearly doubles the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, individuals who use CPAP therapy show significantly reduced risk, suggesting that maintaining proper oxygen levels during sleep may protect brain health. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, provides compelling evidence that treating sleep apnea could be a crucial preventive measure against neurodegenerative conditions.
New research from Oregon Health & Science University reveals a startling connection between untreated sleep apnea and Parkinson's disease risk. A comprehensive study analyzing electronic health records of over 11 million U.S. military veterans found that individuals with untreated obstructive sleep apnea face nearly double the likelihood of developing Parkinson's compared to those who use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
The Groundbreaking Veteran Study
The research, published on November 24, 2025 in JAMA Neurology, represents one of the largest investigations into the relationship between sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The study team analyzed health records from veterans who received care through the Department of Veterans Affairs between 1999 and 2022. The massive scale of this research provides unprecedented statistical power to detect meaningful associations between sleep apnea treatment and Parkinson's risk reduction.
Understanding the Risk Mechanism
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and restarts during sleep, preventing the body from maintaining adequate oxygen levels. According to lead author Dr. Lee Neilson, assistant professor of neurology at OHSU, "If you stop breathing and oxygen is not at a normal level, your neurons are probably not functioning at a normal level either. Add that up night after night, year after year, and it may explain why fixing the problem by using CPAP may build in some resilience against neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's."
CPAP Therapy as Protective Measure
The study demonstrated that CPAP users had significantly lower odds of developing Parkinson's disease. This finding remained consistent even after researchers adjusted for other factors that could influence Parkinson's risk, including obesity, age, and high blood pressure. The protective effect of CPAP therapy suggests that maintaining steady airflow and proper oxygen levels during sleep may help preserve neurological health over time.
Clinical Implications and Patient Benefits
Dr. Neilson noted that these findings have already begun to influence his clinical practice, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing sleep health for patients with sleep apnea. Co-author Dr. Gregory Scott emphasized that many veterans report positive experiences with CPAP therapy, stating, "The veterans who use their CPAP love it. They're telling other people about it. They feel better, they're less tired. Perhaps if others know about this reduction in risk of Parkinson's disease, it will further convince people with sleep apnea to give CPAP a try."
Conclusion
This landmark study provides compelling evidence that treating obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP therapy may offer significant protection against Parkinson's disease. The research underscores the critical importance of diagnosing and treating sleep disorders not only for immediate quality of life improvements but also for long-term neurological health. As our understanding of the brain-sleep connection deepens, proper sleep management emerges as a potentially powerful tool in the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions.
