A newly published study in JAMA Neurology suggests that people with untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may have a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) — but early treatment with airway support may help reduce that risk.
Researchers analysed health-record data of over 11.3 million veterans in the United States, following them for roughly five years. Among them, about 13.7% had a diagnosis of OSA. The study found that veterans with OSA had more cases of Parkinson’s disease at six years compared with those without OSA — even after accounting for age, body mass index, existing illnesses and other risk factors.
Importantly, when people with OSA were treated early using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) — the standard therapy for moderate to severe OSA — the increased risk of PD was substantially reduced.
In numbers: per 1,000 individuals, there were 1.61 additional Parkinson’s cases at six years among those with OSA compared with those without. The link was stronger among female veterans, though the overall association held across the large cohort.
Why This Matters
OSA is common — and often underdiagnosed. It leads to disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue, and is linked to cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. This new evidence adds a potential serious long-term consequence: neurodegeneration. If OSA indeed increases Parkinson’s risk, early identification and effective treatment could become a key preventive strategy.
What This Means for Us
If someone snores heavily, wakes up gasping, or feels excessively sleepy during the day — these are warning signs of OSA.
Diagnosing OSA typically involves a sleep study, followed by CPAP if indicated.
For people diagnosed with OSA, adhering to CPAP therapy could have long-term benefits beyond better sleep — possibly protecting the brain.
Cautions & Next Steps
As an observational study, this research shows association — not definitive cause-and-effect. More studies, ideally in other populations and with longer follow-up, are needed to confirm whether OSA treatment truly lowers Parkinson’s risk. Meanwhile, the findings should encourage both the public and healthcare providers to take sleep disorders seriously.
