What Is Hormesis In Longevity?

Scientists Find Clue To Accelerated Brain Aging

A recent study has found that sleep apnea, a disorder where individuals stop breathing during sleep, may have significant impacts on brain health. While sleep apnea is already known to cause various physical health issues such as heart disease and diabetes, researchers now report that it may also contribute to accelerated aging of the brain’s white matter, which plays a key role in connecting different brain regions. The study also showed an unexpected increase in the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in memory and cognition, in individuals with sleep apnea.

The study, published in Neurology on December 18, suggests that both brain shrinkage and growth due to sleep apnea can interfere with normal brain function, potentially increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Dr. Alberto Ramos, the lead researcher, explained that these changes in brain structure could have serious implications for memory and thinking skills. Sleep apnea causes frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep, which results in reduced oxygen levels and waking episodes that disrupt sleep quality over time.

Researchers followed nearly 2,700 Hispanic seniors with an average age of 68, all of whom underwent sleep tests to measure their sleep disruptions. The study found that people who experienced more frequent sleep interruptions had a larger hippocampus, with the size increasing in direct relation to the number of disruptions. Those with lower oxygen levels during sleep also had changes in white matter, further complicating the connection between sleep apnea and brain health.

The findings indicate that sleep apnea may have complex effects on brain aging, underscoring the need for more long-term studies to better understand how sleep disorders impact brain volume and function over time. Dr. Ramos emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, especially for people who may be at a higher risk for conditions like dementia. Proper management of sleep health, particularly in middle age, could play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function as people age.

Overall, this study highlights the intricate relationship between sleep apnea and brain health, suggesting that treatment and prevention strategies for sleep disorders could help protect cognitive abilities and reduce the risk of dementia, particularly in populations at greater risk.