How Does Diabetes Increase My Risk of Gum Disease?
It’s no secret that diabetes affects your entire body, but did you know it can increase your risk of gum disease? Read on to learn how diabetes can lead to gum disease and how we can help.
Sleep Apnea May Inflict Brain Damage
Sleep apnea is a serious type of sleep disorder that is characterized by the cyclical cessation and resumption of breathing during sleep. When a person with sleep apnea stops breathing, the lack of oxygen prompts the brain to briefly rouse the individual from sleep to restore breathing. Usually, patients fall back to sleep quickly without ever having realized that they woke up. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, sleep apnea can actually be life-threatening if left untreated. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and even type 2 diabetes.
Now, researchers believe that sleep apnea may actually change the way the brain works. This could mean that patients with sleep apnea are at risk of cognitive impairment and even brain damage.
Cutting-edge sleep apnea research
This supposition is born of a study that was recently published in the Journal Of Sleep Research. The lead study author, Paul Macey of the UCLA School of Nursing in Los Angeles, and his colleagues studied the levels of brain chemicals in study participants with sleep apnea. They focused on levels of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are found in the insula of the brain. The insula is responsible for coordinating brain signals for the purpose of emotion regulation, cognition, and automatic physical functions.
The researchers discovered that people with sleep apnea have atypically high levels of glutamate and abnormally low levels of GABA. This could be a serious problem because high glutamate levels place the brain under excessive stress and impair its function. On the other hand, GABA works as a mood inhibitor to counteract the effects of glutamate.
According to Macey, “It is rare to have this size of difference in biological measures. What we were surprised to see was the drop in GABA. That made us realize that there must be a reorganization of how the brain is working.” Macey stressed the importance of getting treatment for sleep apnea to reduce the risk of complications.
Link between sleep apnea and progressive brain damage
Before Macey’s research was published, the medical journal Sleep published a February 2010 study that evaluated the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on gray matter concentration. Principal investigator Seung Bong Hong, MD, PhD, who is the professor of neurology at the Samsung Medical Center in Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea noted that the results of the study indicated the potential for memory impairment, executive dysfunctions, cardiovascular disturbances, and dysregulation of the autonomic and respiratory control. These impairments are believed to be the results of deficits in gray matter concentration caused by untreated sleep apnea. The researchers suggested that proper sleep apnea treatment may help prevent progressive brain damage.
Do you need sleep apnea treatment in NYC?
Dr. David Blaustein, a New York City dentist with more than 20 years of experience, offers noninvasive sleep apnea treatment that may be covered by your medical insurance carrier. Oral appliance therapy may be particularly well-suited to patients who wish to avoid surgery and cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. Call Chelsea Dental Aesthetics today at 347-773-4917 to find out whether oral appliance therapy could be the solution you’re looking for.
Resources:
- National Sleep Foundation, Sleep Apnea and Progressive Brain Damage, https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/sleep-apnea-and-progressive-brain-damage
- WebMD, Sleep Apnea May Affect Your Mood, Thinking Skills, http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/news/20160229/sleep-apnea-may-take-toll-on-your-mood-thinking-skills
You Might Also Enjoy...
Getting Started with Invisalign: Your Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re ready to straighten your teeth with clear braces but not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we show you how to transform your smile with Invisalign® aligners.
I Brush and Floss Daily: Why Do I Need Professional Dental Cleanings?
If you brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily, you’re doing great! These are excellent ways to take care of your oral health. But you still need professional dental cleanings. Here’s why.
Why Does My Jaw Pop When I Chew?
You might not think about your jaw until it hurts, clicks, or pops. If you’re wondering why your jaw pops when you chew, read on to learn about the potential culprits and how we can help.
I Have Dental Phobia: Can You Help?
If your fear of the dentist is so great that you avoid seeing one even when you’re in pain, you have dental phobia. Don’t let extreme fear keep you from the dental care you need. Here’s how we can help.
Why Missing Teeth Are More Than an Aesthetic Issue
Are you concerned about the aesthetics of a missing tooth? Missing teeth pose cosmetic concerns but can also impact your oral and overall health. Read on to explore the implications of missing teeth and how you can address them.