Sleep Apnea Linked to Structural Brain Changes: Study

Recent research finds that when left untreated, the condition can lead to changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Sleep apnea is more common among overweight people and those suffering from hypertension. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt your sleep; it may also change brain structures essential for memory, potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

A new 10-year study of nearly 3,000 older Latino adults has found that people with severe sleep apnea show brain changes, including inflammation in areas critical for memory.