For many people with sleep apnea, using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine isn’t easy. However, new research suggests this device could help protect neurological health and reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Preliminary findings show that starting CPAP treatment within two years of an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis may lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s. These results highlight how early treatment for sleep apnea might influence long-term brain health.

Investigating How CPAP Use Could Lower Parkinson’s Risk

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, making it difficult for the body to get enough oxygen. Symptoms often include loud snoring, gasping, or choking. A CPAP machine works by keeping the airway open with pressurized air delivered through a mask.

To examine the link with Parkinson’s, researchers studied 20 years of medical records from more than 1.5 million U.S. veterans with OSA. After comparing them to nearly 10 million people without the condition, they found higher rates of Parkinson’s among those with OSA.

However, the group who started CPAP therapy within two years of their diagnosis had a significantly lower rate of Parkinson’s than those who delayed treatment or did not use CPAP at all. These findings suggest that OSA could be a modifiable risk factor for Parkinson’s disease.

Why Sleep And Parkinson’s Are Connected

Although the link is becoming clearer, experts are still debating whether sleep apnea increases Parkinson’s risk, or if Parkinson’s itself contributes to sleep apnea.

  • Impact of sleep apnea: Reduced oxygen levels, fragmented sleep, and poor rest can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired waste clearance in the brain, and damage to neurons—all of which may contribute to Parkinson’s-related changes.

  • Protein changes: Low oxygen may also trigger abnormal brain protein accumulation, linked to Parkinson’s disease.

  • Parkinson’s influence on sleep: Parkinson’s often causes sleep disturbances even before diagnosis, which can be mistaken for sleep apnea.

Because both conditions are common in older adults, it remains challenging to determine the exact cause-and-effect relationship.

Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters

Sleep apnea is associated with many serious health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, and now possibly Parkinson’s. Treating it effectively is essential for long-term health.

  • CPAP therapy: CPAP remains the most widely recommended treatment and can completely correct sleep apnea if used consistently.

  • Challenges with CPAP: Many people stop using CPAP due to discomfort, mask leaks, congestion, or feelings of claustrophobia. Adherence rates are often low, with only about one-third of patients using it as prescribed through the night.

  • Other therapies: Surgery, positional devices, or nerve stimulation may be alternatives, but CPAP is still considered the gold standard.

Experts emphasize that even partial use of CPAP can provide benefits, but the best results come with nightly, consistent use.

Lifestyle And Prevention Strategies

Treating sleep apnea is just one piece of the puzzle. Healthy lifestyle habits may also reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and improve overall health. These include:

  • Regular exercise to support brain and cardiovascular function

  • Balanced diet to reduce inflammation and protect neurons

  • Avoiding smoking and alcohol to minimize airway obstruction and oxidative stress

  • Managing weight to reduce airway collapse during sleep

A Quick Review

Obstructive sleep apnea may raise the risk of Parkinson’s disease, but starting CPAP treatment early could reduce that risk. While experts still don’t fully understand the connection, poor oxygenation, sleep fragmentation, and inflammation are likely contributors.

Treating sleep apnea promptly and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices are key steps in protecting not only your sleep but also your long-term brain health.