Millions of Brits at risk of dementia due to common sleep disorder - the red flags to look out for

Health experts have issued a warning about a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Brits and can increase the risk of serious health conditions. The disorder, characterised by symptoms such as loud snoring and frequent waking, can lead to dementia, according to research.

Untreated obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can also result in dangerous heart issues. The Sleep Apnoea Trust estimates that around 10 million people in the UK live with OSA, with four million experiencing "moderate" or "severe" symptoms.

OSA causes the throat walls to narrow during sleep, leading to symptoms like loud snoring, frequent waking, and making gasping, snorting or choking noises while resting. This can also cause daytime tiredness and difficulty concentrating.

The NHS emphasises that OSA "needs to be treated" as it can lead to "more serious problems", including dementia. A 2022 study published in Nature Communications journal found a link between a lack of oxygen to the brain during sleep and Alzheimer's disease in mice.

One of the study authors, Professor Elizabeth Coulson from the University of Queensland, explained: "We developed a novel way to induce sleep-disrupted breathing and found the mice displayed exacerbated pathological features of Alzheimer's disease," reports the Express.

"It demonstrated that hypoxia – when the brain is deprived of oxygen – caused the same selective degeneration of neurons that characteristically die in dementia."

Further testing was set to be carried out on humans. Prof Coulson added: "Early stage human trials are underway with sleep clinicians in Brisbane and Sydney to determine the correlation between hypoxia and sustained cognitive impairment, and whether CPAP [a continuous positive airway pressure machine] can reduce dementia risk.

"I would strongly recommend anyone with obstructive sleep apnoea use a CPAP machine to maintain cognitive function, as well as assist with other health issues."

Experts have also highlighted a potential link between sleep apnoea and heart problems. Cardiomyopathy UK states: "Sleep apnoea is closely linked to heart conditions, with both conditions influencing each other's development and severity."

"Sleep apnoea can worsen existing heart conditions or increase the risk of developing them, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, strokes, and heart attacks. The condition can cause stress on the heart, trigger fluctuations in oxygen levels, and contribute to the formation of plaques in blood vessels."

"Effective management of sleep apnoea is important for reducing cardiovascular risks and improving overall health outcomes."

The NHS lists symptoms of OSA while you sleep as:

• Breathing stopping and starting
• Making gasping, snorting or choking noises
• Waking up a lot
• Loud snoring

During the day, you may also:

• Breathing stopping and starting
• Making gasping, snorting or choking noises
• Waking up a lot
• Loud snoring

For those struggling with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a doctor might suggest using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The device maintains open upper airway passages via a mask worn during sleep, potentially halting both sleep apnoea and snoring, thereby reducing the risk of severe health issues.

The NHS advises consulting your GP if "you have any of the main symptoms of sleep apnoea".