Cpap Mask And Machine May Help Deter Dementia

By Author: Larry Chandler
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Many people are worried and flat out afraid of the possibility of dementia. Proper exercise, balanced nutrition, staying active with friends and family seems to be the common habits that are considered the “right things” to do in order to prolong health and enjoy a high quality of life. However, the exact cause of dementia is still clouded in mystery. Now a new link may suggest sleep apnea as a culprit.


Effect of Sleep Apnea

Most people are familiar with sleep apnea. This is a physical condition in which a person is unable to sleep well at night due to an inability to breathe properly. The most common and effective treatment is use of a CPAP mask and machine that uses a positive air pressure to help keep the throat muscles from collapsing during sleep. This constant flow of air generally allows the person to breathe normally and rest easy.


A new study of senior citizens has identified a pattern of increased dementia among people with sleep apnea. Since a large number of citizens who are 65 years or older seem to suffer with sleep apnea, this study is extremely important ...
... to people in their twilight years.


Parameters of the Study

This particular scientific research involved over 290 women that were around the age of 82 years. These women, who received a sleep study session in their home, wanted to examine any symptoms related to dementia. The follow up study was conducted 5 years after the initial sleep study examination.


Study Findings

The women were tested to see how many apnea’s occurred during the night as well as any occurrence of hypoxia. Hypoxia is a condition in which there is not enough oxygen in the blood during an apnea occurrence. The researches noticed that if hypoxia occurred intermittently during apneas throughout the night, the lack of oxygen actually killed off brain cells. Thus, improper breathing during sleep can lead to a loss in brain cells and possibly the onset of dementia.


Reinforcing Past Theories

The study basically reinforced common held beliefs that poor sleep effects normal brain activity. Doctors urge patients to eat well, get plenty of exercise and get a good night’s rest. If People are struggling to sleep well at night, they might be suffering from sleep apnea and may benefit from a CPAP machine and mask. It is important to note that a CPAP machine must be prescribed by a physician. The pressure at which air flows out of the CPAP machine needs to be determined by a sleep study which will indicate the severity of a person’s sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is not an all or nothing condition. Some people stop breathing 30 or 50 times per hour while others may only stop 20 to 25 times. Getting the machine calibrated properly, and choosing a CPAP mask with the right fit, will help people ensure use of the machine and their overall gain from it.


Larry Chandler is a freelance writer for The CPAP shop where sufferers of sleep apnea can purchase a CPAP mask. Visit their website at Thecpapshop.com to see their complete line of CPAP machine, masks and accessories.