According to the American sleep apnea Association, approximately 25 million Americans have some form of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a chronic disease that involves frequent pauses in a person's breathing during sleep. Most health warnings about this condition focus on how it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, but apnea can also negatively impact brain function.
People with apnea often experience symptoms such as daytime drowsiness, shortened attention span, moodiness, depression, anxiety and reduced short term memory recall. Research has shown that the disease may also have a long term impact on the brain.
Sleep apnea can change the shape of the brain over time. Because people with apnea stop breathing during sleep, the brain is temporarily deprived of oxygen, which can result in brain damage. A study conducted by the UCLA School of Nursing found decreased amounts of both gray and white matter in subjects with apnea when compared to similar subjects without it. The study also found changes in the levels of neurotransmitters that affect thinking and physical functions, such as blood pressure and perspiration. Seung Bong Hong of the Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, concluded that decreased sleep quality and brain damage could lead to poor memory, emotional problems and decreased cognitive functioning.
Research has shown that sleep apnea may make it more difficult for short-term memories to be stored as long-term memories. An important part of the long-term memory creation process occurs during sleep. Because apnea disrupts sleep, it also disrupts this function, which can lead to memory loss. A study by New York University researchers found that subjects with sleep apnea may experience mild cognitive impairment as much as 10 years earlier than subjects without sleep disorders. The study also indicated that the disease might lead to earlier onset of Alzheimer's disease in some people with the condition.
Thankfully, there are a number of dental sleep apnea oral appliance treatment options to address the disorder. One common treatment option is the use of oral appliances, which includes mandibular devices and tongue-retaining appliances, both of which help keep the airway open and unobstructed throughout the night.
Additionally, CPAP machines may be used, under the supervision of a dentist and doctor. CPAP machines have more moving parts than oral appliances, however, the results tend to be worth it. In some scenarios, it may be recommended to combine CPAP machines with oral appliances to appropriately treat the sleep apnea.
Whether an oral appliance or CPAP machine is used, individuals suffering from sleep apnea will experience a better night's rest and a healthier brain.
Untreated sleep apnea can negatively affect both the physical and mental health of an individual. Snoring, choking sounds while asleep and daytime drowsiness may be signs of undiagnosed sleep apnea. Because treatment can reverse brain damage caused by the lack of airflow and prevent further damage, it is important for people experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnea to consult a doctor for testing and diagnosis.
Request an appointment here: https://luvicdental.com or call Luvic Advanced Dentistry at (786) 758-4613 for an appointment in our Doral office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Doral, FL.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that many people suffer from. As modern medicine has evolved, there are now more options for treating it. Consulting with a dentist regarding sleep apnea is becoming popular because they have a few different treatment routes that patients can take. Dental sleep medicine is a special field that focuses on…
When a person wants to improve the color or overall appearance of their teeth, a cosmetic dentist can provide numerous treatment options. One popular solution is enhancing the smile with dental veneers. These thin coverings are designed to fit over existing teeth to create a whiter, more symmetrical look. Patients with a variety of cosmetic…
While veneers are technically considered cosmetic treatments, a cosmetic dentist may describe additional benefits to getting them added to the teeth. Dental veneers can both improve the look of the smile and help keep teeth healthy. These thin, customized shells cover the front of the teeth and can be customized to match the color of…
Advancements in cosmetic dentistry technology have allowed the cosmetic dentist to offer patients a wide range of treatments to improve and repair smiles. While some might be eager to take advantage of one or more treatments, others might hesitate because of the perceived pain involved. However, prospective patients may gain peace of mind by asking…
