CPAP Improves Sleep In Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease, Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder

CPAP for Alzheimer�s Patient Patients with both Alzheimer disease and a sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) experience disrupted sleep, resulting in increased nocturnal awakenings and a decreased percentage of REM sleep.

However, in another example of the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), CPAP has been found to reduce the amount of time spent awake during the night, increase the time spent in deeper levels of sleep, and improve oxygenation, according to a research abstract presented at SLEEP 2007, the 21st Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS).

The study, conducted by Jana R. Cooke, MD, of the University of California at San Diego, was focused on 48 adults, with an average age of 77.8 years, with Alzheimer disease and an SRBD. It was discovered that treating the sleep-related breathing disorder with CPAP resulted in these patients spending less time awake during the night as well as sleeping deeper.

"In general, improved sleep is associated with improvements in quality of life," said Cooke. "Clinicians should consider CPAP treatment for Alzheimer disease patients with a sleep-related breathing disorder, as the potential benefits may be significant."

Alzheimer’s disease has negative effects on sleep-wake cycle. Over a 24 hour period, patients are rarely awake and rarely asleep for a full hour at a time.

They constantly wake up at night and fall asleep during the day. Insomnia and other sleep disturbances are common among Alzheimer’s patients.

CPAP device includes a mask which can be worn over the nose by the patient. It uses air pressure to push your tongue forward and open your throat.

This allows air to pass through the throat. The air pressure is adjusted so that it is just enough to hold the throat open when it relaxes the most.

Pressure is started at low level. It is then increased at various intervals during the night. Right level of air pressure is to be discovered that prevents the collapse of upper airway. This eliminates the sleep related breathing disorder as you sleep.

Variations of the CPAP device attempt to minimize side effects that sometimes occur, such as nasal irritation and drying, facial skin irritation, sore eyes, abdominal bloating and headaches.

Sleep apnea and snoring are the sleep related breathing disorders. Talk to your doctor if you have sleep apnea or snoring. Your doctor asks you to go to a sleep center for sleep study.

During the study, CPAP device with different levels of air pressure is applied. If you need a CPAP device, your doctor helps you to choose the one that is right for you. [CPAP for Sleep Apnea Treatment]

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