AAN

AAN 2025: Early CPAP use may lower Parkinson’s risk in sleep apnea patients

April 10, 2025

Early continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) intervention for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a preliminary study results presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting. Physicians might consider recommending CPAP therapy promptly after an OSA diagnosis to optimize neurological outcomes and mitigate long-term risks.

Study details: This study investigated the link between OSA and Parkinson’s disease, and the potential protective effect of CPAP therapy. Researchers reviewed more than 20 years of medical records from nearly 1.6 million veterans with OSA and nearly 10 million without.

Results: Of those with sleep apnea, 5,284 (3.4%) developed Parkinson’s disease within five years compared with 37,873 (3.8%) of those who didn’t have OSA, translating to 1.8 more cases per 1,000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-2.3, P<0.001) in those with vs. those without OSA. Among participants with OSA, those who started CPAP therapy within two years of diagnosis had 2.3 fewer cases of Parkinson’s per 1,000 compared with those who didn’t use CPAP (P<0.001). Starting CPAP therapy after two years showed no significant reduction in Parkinson’s risk.

Sources:

Montano, K et al. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a Risk Factor for Parkinson’s Disease and CPAP Mitigates Risk of PD: An EHR-based Cohort Study in Military Veterans. Presented at American Academy of Neurology 77^th Annual Meeting. https://index.mirasmart.com/AAN2025/PDFfiles/AAN2025-002510.html

(2025, March 2). American Academy of Neurology. Sleep apnea linked to increased risk of Parkinson’s, but CPAP may reduce risk. [Press release]. https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5239