Study Finds that Sleep Apnea May Cause Brain Damage

Estimated to affect up to 22 million Americans, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, is known to increase an individual’s risk of fatigue, diabetes, blood pressure, and stroke. Now a new study published in the Journal of Neuroimaging reveals that sleep apnea can also break down the blood-brain barrier and cause brain damage.

The blood-brain barrier is one of the brain’s most important defense mechanisms, helping to shield it from bacteria, infections, and chemicals. According to Rajesh Kumar, an associate professor at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine and author of the study, “We found that the blood-brain barrier becomes more permeable in obstructive sleep apnea, a breakdown that could contribute to brain injury.”

Sleep-Well™ Appliance: Simple, non-threatening design and easy-to-clean, easy-to-adjust convenience yield high patient compliance.
IMPORTANT: When taking construction bite, edge-to-edge 4mm vertical opening required.

Lamberg Questionnaire

Download printable Questionnaire for use in screening patients for Sleep Apnea.

Dentists can help patients with sleep apnea by providing an apnea oral device.  Contact SML (Space Maintainers Laboratories) today to find a lab near you that can manufacture the apnea oral device that could save your patient’s life.