Are Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer's Disease Linked? Fairfield Dentist Explains

FAIRFIELD, NJ--(Marketwired - Jan 7, 2014) - According to the Centers for Disease Control, 50 to 70 million Americans are estimated to be suffering from a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea is a common condition which can cause a number of problems, including snoring and a cessation in breathing of 10 seconds or longer during sleep. Dr. Jerry Strauss, a general and cosmetic dentist in New Jersey, says the lack of oxygen able to reach the brain during these breathing cessations can be dangerous, and even life-threatening. While sleep apnea is commonly known to be linked to a number of other serious medical conditions, like hypertension, sudden cardiac death, stroke, and diabetes, only recently has it also been connected to Alzheimer's disease.

In a blog post on his website titled "Dr. Strauss Discusses Link Between Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer's Disease," he highlights two studies recently published in a leading neurology journal. In one of the studies, researchers found that shorter sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with an increase of the amyloid protein in the brain and the changes that are linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease. According to the second study published in the journal, researchers at the University of Toronto found that better sleep seemed to reduce the development of Alzheimer's pathology in the brain. Previously, other studies linked fragmented sleep and poor sleep quality to mental impairment in older adults. Dr. Strauss says sleep apnea causes interrupted sleep and memory loss, and he notes that dementia sufferers have also been shown to be awake more time in bed than others. He says these recent studies are very significant and need to be given serious consideration.

Dr. Strauss recommends people who believe they or a loved one may be suffering with sleep apnea seek medical assistance as soon as possible to control the disorder and reduce serious risks to their health and livelihood. He says he offers treatments that have proven effective for sleep apnea, including a custom-made dental orthotic device that is worn during sleep to prevent airway obstruction. Dr. Strauss says dental orthotics are non-surgical methods for treating snoring and sleep apnea, and that recent advances have made the treatments much more comfortable than a traditional CPAP machine. Dr. Strauss says improved sleep can reduce health risks and, based on recent findings, may even lessen the development of Alzheimer's disease. He says many of his sleep apnea patients find success at limiting snoring and breathing pauses so they can have uninterrupted, healthier, and more peaceful nights of sleep.

About Dr. Jerry Strauss

Dr. Jerry Strauss has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry for over 20 years, and offers advanced treatments to increase positive airflow for patients affected by sleep apnea and snoring. Dr. Strauss graduated from Boston University and the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He has achieved Mastership status in the Academy of General Dentistry, which is achieved by less than 1% of all dentists and is known as the highest honor bestowed by the academy. He is available for interview upon request.

His practice can be reached online at aestheticdentalcarenj.com and facebook.com/pages/Aesthetic-Dental-Care-LLC/120704677718

To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.aestheticdentalcarenj.com/practice-news/dr-strauss-discusses-possible-link-between-sleep-apnea-and-alzheimers-disease/