Sleep apnea is the silent threat.
Another detrimental consequence of sleep apnea emerges: recent research suggests a potential link to late-life epilepsy.
Late-onset epilepsy, characterized by seizures occurring after the age of 60, presents unique challenges and complexities. Dr. Rebecca Gottesman, co-author of the study and chief of the Stroke Branch at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), underscores the significance of this phenomenon, particularly in older adults who experience the highest incidence of new epilepsy cases, many of which lack clear etiology.
While the association between sleep apnea and adverse brain health has been recognized, the specific relationship between sleep apnea and epilepsy remains poorly understood. To shed light on this intriguing connection, Gottesman and her team analyzed data from over 1,300 individuals participating in a study investigating sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease.
Their findings revealed a compelling association between nocturnal hypoxia, a condition marked by oxygen saturation dropping below 80% during sleep, and late-onset epilepsy. Individuals experiencing such nocturnal hypoxia were three times more likely to develop epilepsy later in life compared to those with normal oxygen levels during sleep. Furthermore, individuals with any form of sleep apnea in later life were twice as likely to be diagnosed with late-onset epilepsy, underscoring the potential interplay between these conditions.
This study suggests that late-onset epilepsy may join the ranks of other neurological disorders, including stroke and dementia, which exhibit heightened prevalence among individuals with sleep apnea. While the study does not definitively establish causality, it raises intriguing possibilities regarding the role of sleep apnea management, such as utilizing CPAP machines, in mitigating the risk of late-onset epilepsy.
Dr. Christopher Carosella, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the significance of identifying reversible factors contributing to epilepsy. While further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship, these findings underscore the importance of evaluating and addressing sleep disorders in individuals with epilepsy, potentially paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions. The study, initially published in preview form in the journal Sleep, offers valuable insights into the intricate interplay between sleep apnea and late-onset epilepsy, warranting continued exploration in future studies.
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