Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health Sleep Apnea Damages Your Brain and Memory - AI Podcast
Jul 19, 2025
Sleep apnea poses hidden dangers, particularly during REM sleep, which can lead to brain vessel damage and increase dementia risk. New research highlights the link between oxygen loss during REM and early neurodegeneration markers. Standard measures often overlook these subtler risks. Even mild apnea can speed up brain aging, especially for women. Thankfully, treatments like breathing machines and lifestyle changes can mitigate risks, emphasizing the importance of proper oxygen delivery and monitoring sleep quality.
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REM Sleep Apnea Harms Brain Early
- Sleep apnea during REM sleep causes oxygen drops that damage brain vessels and increase dementia risk early.
- These effects often occur before noticeable cognitive symptoms appear.
Limitations of Apnea Hypopnea Index
- The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) misses key brain risks because it ignores oxygen depth and sleep stage.
- REM oxygen drops better predict brain damage markers linked to memory and Alzheimer's risk.
Apnea Causes Silent Brain Damage
- Long-term studies show apnea with low oxygen causes faster white matter lesions and silent cognitive decline.
- This damage progresses even in people who appear normal initially.