A simple cure for snoring could reduce the risk of dementia by more than a third, say researchers

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A simple cure for snoring could reduce the risk of dementia by more than a third, say researchers

  • U.S. researchers conducted a study to find out if treating heavy snoring means they are less likely to suffer from dementia
  • Treatment – Continuous positive airway pressure – involves wearing a mask at night connected to a machine that pumps pressurized air into the throat
  • The study looked at 50,000 patients with sleep apnea and found that those who had treatment were less likely to develop dementia than those who did not.
  • Experts in the UK welcomed the study, but said it did not show a link between snoring and dementia

By Pat Hagan for the Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

A simple and inexpensive remedy for snoring could reduce the risk of dementia by more than a third, the researchers found.

Snorers who received the treatment, called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), appeared to have better protection against incurable disease.

CPAP involves wearing a mask at night connected to a nightstand, which costs about £ 500, which pumps pressurized air down your throat.

This prevents the soft tissues in the throat from collapsing during sleep.

Scientists believe that cars can reduce the risk of dementia by increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain.

Up to five million people in the UK, mostly men, are snoring loudly - a condition called sleep apnea [Stock image]

Up to five million people in the UK, mostly men, are snoring loudly – a condition called sleep apnea [Stock image]

Up to five million people in the UK, mostly men, snore loudly – a condition called sleep apnea.

It is known to increase blood pressure and the threat of stroke and heart attack. If left untreated, some studies suggest it also increases the risk of dementia.

American researchers at the University of Michigan wanted to see if treating heavy snoring means they are less likely to suffer from dementia.

They followed 50,000 patients with sleep apnea before 2011.

Among those who developed dementia, they compared patients who received CPAP with those who did not.

The results, in the journal Sleep, showed that snoring people who used the device from time to time were 20 to 30 percent less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia.

Among those who wore the mask every night, the risk decreased by 35%.

Scientists say the results could benefit millions.

It is estimated that the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia will increase from 800,000 to 1.2 million in England by 2040.

Dr Galit Levi Dunietz, who led the study, said: “We found a significant association between CPAP and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. It could be protective for those with sleep apnea.

Dr. Rosa Sancho, of Alzheimer’s Research UK, welcomed the study, but pointed out that it was not proven that snoring was heavy and that sleep disorder actually caused dementia.

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