Brain Health Impacts
Sleep apnea and disordered breathing during sleep are associated with an enlarged hippocampus and alterations in brain white matter, potentially affecting memory, thinking, and increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
The study, focusing on Latino individuals with an average age of 68, found that lower oxygen levels during sleep and increased sleep disruptions correlated with greater hippocampal volume and white matter hyperintensities.
Study Findings and Implications
Participants were divided into groups based on sleep problems, and those with moderate to severe sleep issues had a significantly larger hippocampus compared to those without sleep problems.
Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to understand the impact of sleep disorders on brain aging and the importance of early treatment, especially for populations at higher risk of dementia.