New research highlights a concerning link between untreated obstructive sleep apnea and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study, conducted by researchers from Oregon Health & Science University and the Portland VA Health Care System, analyzed the electronic health records of over 11 million U.S. military veterans. Findings, published on November 24, 2025, in JAMA Neurology, indicate that those who do not manage their sleep apnea are nearly twice as likely to receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis compared to those who use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
The research provides critical insights into how untreated sleep apnea may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, often leading to significant drops in oxygen levels. According to lead author Lee Neilson, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at OHSU, “If you stop breathing and oxygen is not at a normal level, your neurons are probably not functioning at a normal level either.” This chronic lack of oxygen may stress neurons over time, potentially increasing the risk of developing conditions like Parkinson’s.
Age-Related Risks and Other Contributing Factors
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects approximately 1 million individuals in the United States. The risk of developing Parkinson’s increases steadily after the age of 60. This latest research underscores that long-term, untreated sleep apnea may significantly elevate that risk, even when controlling for other factors such as age, obesity, and high blood pressure.
The study found a consistent association between untreated sleep apnea and Parkinson’s disease. Among veterans diagnosed with sleep apnea, those who did not utilize CPAP therapy had nearly double the likelihood of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s compared to those who adhered to the treatment. Co-author Gregory Scott, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology at the OHSU School of Medicine, emphasized the implications of these findings, stating, “It’s not at all a guarantee that you’re going to get Parkinson’s, but it significantly increases the chances.”
Implications for Treatment and Patient Awareness
The study’s results could influence clinical practice, particularly regarding the prioritization of sleep health among high-risk populations. Neilson noted that the findings reinforce the need for healthcare professionals to advocate for the treatment of sleep apnea, especially given the elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease associated with its neglect.
Despite the benefits of CPAP therapy, some patients remain hesitant to adopt its use. Scott mentioned that many veterans who use CPAP report significant improvements in their quality of life. “The veterans who use their CPAP love it,” he said. “They’re telling other people about it. They feel better, they’re less tired. Perhaps if others know about this reduction in risk of Parkinson’s disease, it will further convince people with sleep apnea to give CPAP a try.”
The study was supported by multiple grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health, and various other organizations. The authors acknowledge that the opinions and conclusions presented in the study do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding bodies.
As awareness of the connection between sleep health and neurological conditions grows, this research may prove pivotal in guiding both clinical practice and patient choices regarding the management of sleep apnea and its associated risks.
