Memory Loss Linked To Common Sleep Disorder

Got memory problems? If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, your brain could be to blame. Researchers have discovered that people with sleep apnea show tissue loss in brain regions that help store memory. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection of the disorder, which afflicts an estimated 20 million Americans. Sleep apnea occurs when a blocked airway repeatedly halts the sleeper's breathing, resulting in loud bursts of snoring and chronic daytime fatigue. Memory loss and difficulty focusing are also common complaints. Prior studies have linked the disorder to a higher risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes.