Before and after twelve months of treatment. Yellow areas represent abnormalities in white matter. |
The article "Brain damage caused by severe sleep apnea is reversible" discussing the recent paper "White Matter Integrity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea before and after Treatment" (Castronovo et. al, 2014) inspires the use of CPAP therapy. The cognitive issues associated with sleep apnea are due to decreased subcortical white matter integrity in areas such as the medial prefrontal area. The study used diffusion tensor imaging and cognitive testing to reveal change in white matter and cognitive ability after three and twelve months of CPAP treatment. After twelve months, the abnormalities in white matter practically disappeared, and individuals had better executive function stemming from the reversing of white matter irregularities. This study shows the effects of sleep apnea, but also shows that the effects can be completely reversed if individuals adhere to CPAP therapy. Although new, less intrusive technological should be sought, sufferers should adhere to CPAP treatment to improve and save their lives. Individuals can pledge to "Stop the Snore" at www.stopsnoringpledge.org to ensure the health and well-being of those suffering from sleep apnea.
References:
Brain damage caused by severe sleep apnea is reversible. (2014, January 1). Retrieved May 1, 2015, from http://www.aasmnet.org/articles.aspx?id=4988
Castronovo V, Scifo P, Castellano A, Aloia MS, Iadanza A, Marelli S, Cappa SF, Strambi LF, Falini A. White matter integrity in obstructive sleep apnea before and after treatment. SLEEP 2014;37(9):1465-1475.
Weaver, T., Calik, M., Farabi, S., Fink, A., Galang-Boquiren, M., Kapella, M., . . . Carley, D. (2014). Innovative treatments for adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Nature and Science of Sleep, 6, 137-147. Retrieved May 1, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4242689/
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