Sleep apnea associated with memory loss

Posted on 2008-06-10 20:00:00 in Brain and Mental Performance | Imaging Techniques | Neurology | Sleep | X-ray/MRI/imaging |

Researchers in the US have made a groundbreaking discovery that links sleep apnea to memory loss.

For the first time, a team of neurobiologists at UCLA have found that people who suffer from sleep apnea experience loss of tissue in the regions of the brain that store memory.

The study's principal investigator Ronald Harper, professor of neurobiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, said: "Our findings demonstrate that impaired breathing during sleep can lead to a serious brain injury that disrupts memory and thinking."

For the investigation, the team performed brain scans on 43 sleep apnea patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Elizabeth G Nabel, director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which funded the study, added: "UCLA researchers used sophisticated imaging technology to identify brain lesions associated with impaired memory in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea.

"These results underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing, which can have long-term effects on patients' health and well-being."ADNFCR-1506-ID-18633891-ADNFCR


Health Headlines

Tests Pinpoint Dementia Onset
Language and memory tests can reliably predict when a healthy elderly person is likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia
Investigating A Causal Link Between Gut Bacteria and Breast Cancer
Rush University Medical Center (USA) embarks on a research study to ascertain how microbial imbalances may impact diseases such as breast cancer.
Walnuts Improve Blood Markers of Diabetes
Yale University researchers report improved function of the blood vessel lining and reduced cholesterol levels in diabetics who consume walnuts daily.
Exercise Slashes Odds of Early Death from Heart Disease
Routine moderate exercise can reduce the risk of premature death in people with heart problems by up to 60%.
Common Sweetener Raises Blood Pressure
Added as a sweetener to many processed foods and beverages, fructose (also known as high fructose corn syrup), may increase blood pressure.
Skip the Salt and Diet Soda to Save Your Kidneys
Diets high in sodium and artificially sweetened soda linked to kidney function decline.
Antioxidants May Combat Influenza Virus
Antioxidant compounds retard the ability of influenza virus to damage a key protein in lungs
Nerve Regeneration Possible in Spinal Cord Injury
Studying an animal model of spinal cord injury, UCSD researchers report successful regeneration of nerve cells even when treatment is delayed.
26 Million Americans Have Diabetes
Gallup Survey finds that 11.3% of American adults have diabetes, and the trend upwards is projected to continue unless aggressive interventions are implemented.
The American Sleep Crisis
More than 11% of American adults surveyed say they failed to enjoy a day in the previous month where they got enough sleep.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Bio-Identical Hormone
          Replacement

Dr. Sangeeta Pati, one of the world’s foremost educators and practicing physicians in the field of HRT shared “The Nuts and Bolts of Hormone Restoration” via webinar. View the Webinar.

International Events
See all events »