Sleep apnea and Parkinson's disease may be more closely linked than previously thought. A large study published in the journal JAMA Neurology in 2025 found that untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of Parkinson's disease — in some groups, by nearly twofold.
What Is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects the nervous system and the body's ability to control movement. It occurs when dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain gradually deteriorate. An estimated nearly 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's disease.
Common symptoms include hand tremors, slowed body movements, muscle stiffness, difficulty walking and maintaining balance, and sleep disturbances.
Featured Product
ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset
ResMed's top auto-adjusting CPAP — fine-tunes pressure with every breath for precise, comfortable therapy throughout the night.
View Product Free ConsultationKey Findings from the JAMA Neurology 2025 Study
Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University analyzed more than 11 million veterans' health records spanning 1999–2022. Of these, approximately 1.5 million individuals had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The analysis revealed that within six years of a sleep apnea diagnosis, there were approximately 1.16 additional Parkinson's cases per 1,000 people compared to those without sleep apnea. In certain subgroups, the risk approached nearly twice that of the general population.
Important note: this study demonstrates an association (correlation), not proof that sleep apnea directly causes Parkinson's disease. Nevertheless, the findings are compelling enough to support early intervention.
Our Services
Why Might This Connection Exist?
Several potential mechanisms under investigation include: chronic oxygen deprivation damaging dopamine-producing nerve cells, disrupted sleep impairing the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins, and chronic inflammation accelerating neuronal degeneration.
The Solution: CPAP Therapy as Brain Protection
CPAP therapy is the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea. The device delivers continuous positive airway pressure through a mask to keep the airway open throughout the night. With regular use, patients experience deeper, more restorative sleep, reduced daytime sleepiness, improved concentration, and potentially a lower risk of long-term neurological complications.
Resindo Medika offers specialist medical consultations, ResMed CPAP therapy, and comprehensive sleep studies for accurate diagnosis and effective management of sleep apnea.
