Why in the News?
- A new study published in JAMA Neurology (Nov 24, 2025) found that untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can nearly double the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
- The study analysed 11 million+ U.S. military veterans’ medical records (1999–2022).
- Use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) significantly reduces the elevated risk, making sleep quality a potential neuroprotective factor.
Key Findings
- Untreated OSA → ~2× higher likelihood of developing Parkinson’s.
- CPAP therapy helps maintain oxygen levels → reduces neurodegeneration risk.
- Repeated oxygen drops during sleep may lead to long-term neuronal stress.
- Parkinson’s disease risk increases naturally with age, especially >60 years, but untreated OSA further elevates vulnerability.
About Parkinson’s Disease
- A progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement.
- Caused by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.
- Symptoms: tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, cognitive decline (late stages).
- No cure; treatments focus on symptom management.
Prelims Pointers
- New association identified: OSA ↔ Parkinson’s disease risk.
- Published in JAMA Neurology.
- Largest dataset used for this linkage: 11 million veterans.
- CPAP is not just a sleep device—it may offer neuroprotection.
- Chronic intermittent hypoxia implicated in neurodegeneration.
| Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO) into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decreases. What causes this condition? (2010)
(a) When inhaled into the human body CO is converted into CO2 (b) The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen (c) The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of haemoglobin (d) The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory centre in the brain This PYQ is chosen because the core pathological connection linking Sleep Apnea and Parkinson’s disease is the concept of chronic oxygen deprivation (Hypoxia) and its neurodegenerative impact. |
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