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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Remains
A Growing Problem On The Cape

Two years ago I wrote an article on the problem of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is an often undiagnosed sleep disorder that can contribute to many other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, acid reflux, and depression, as well as increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Thousands of car accidents a year are attributed to drowsy driving.

Over the last two years the issue has continued to grow in medical relevance and importance. We have seen an uptick in diagnosis and this could be due to increased public awareness. That’s why I feel it’s important to revisit this issue.

Here are some of the symptoms: consistent fatigue, falling asleep at inappropriate times, snoring.

Apnea means no breath and these episodes can be caused by a blockage or obstruction in the airway during sleep. Apneas can happen many times an hour. Each event causes oxygen levels to fall, which leads to interruptions in the deep restorative sleep we all require.

This can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, early morning headaches, loud snoring, choking or gasping for breath during sleep. Difficulties with concentration, memory, irritability, and sexual dysfunction are some of the consequences of untreated OSA.

If you have these symptoms, a sleep study test can determine if you’re suffering from sleep apnea and to what degree. Tests are performed in a sleep laboratory and there are several here on Cape Cod.

The most common effective treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). A nasal mask is worn during sleep and pressure from an air blower keeps the airway open. Improvement is usually immediate. Surgical options and dental appliances also are available; but their success rates are significantly lower.

For more information, check the National Sleep Foundation’s Web site at www.sleepfoundation.org, or your physician.

Studies Show It’s Never Too Late
To Build Up One’s ‘Brain Reserve’

When it comes to how the mind ages, research is increasingly giving new meaning to the popular phrase “use it or lose it.”

We know that mind games keep many aging minds young and vital. So what are today’s seniors doing to keep mentally fit? Many have said goodbye to traditional games such as bingo. They’re gravitating more to video-game technology and group activities such as bridge tournaments. Don’t forget reading, whether books or newspapers. According to the latest studies, it all helps.

Researchers have found that individuals with high brain reserve (based on education, occupational complexity, and mentally stimulating pursuits) have a 46-percent decreased risk of dementia than those with a low “reserve.” Their study also pointed out that even a late-life surge in mental activity can stave off the effects of this terrible disease.

One deterrent for many seniors who would like to stay mentally active is lack of companionship, particularly among older adults who live alone. Sometimes seniors just need a little encouragement from family and friends to help them pursue interests that can keep their minds stimulated. Sometimes even non-medical professional home caregivers can fill this role.

Multiple factors can contribute to a sluggish senior mind. According to Dr. Ronald Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, “There is often a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well. The cumulative impacts of medical issues such as vascular changes like hardening of the arteries also contribute to dementia. The connections between the nerve cells probably also don’t work as well.”

On the other hand, Dr. Petersen observes, the wisdom and acquired experience seniors bring to the table is often under-valued. That’s why exercising the mind as well as the body is such an important goal for older adults.