Veterans with OSA more likely to develop Parkinson’s, but CPAP could reduce risk
By HME News Staff
Updated 10:58 AM CST, Wed November 26, 2025
CHICAGO – U.S. veterans with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease, but this risk was reduced with early CPAP intervention, according to a recent study published in JAMA Neurology. These data establish additional clinical rationale for early screening and intervention of sleep-disordered breathing as a key strategy in supporting brain health, researchers say. The study looked at electronic health records of U.S. veterans from Jan. 1, 1999, to Dec. 30, 2022, with mean (SD) follow-up of 4.9 (1.8) years. Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease at the time of exposure or incomplete records were excluded. Data analysis was completed from September 2024 to September 2025. A total of 13,737,081 veterans were screened, and 11,310,411 veterans (1 109 543 female veterans [9.8%]) with mean (SD) age of 60.5 (14.7) years were included in analyses. Of included veterans, 1,552,505 (13.7%) had OSA. Veterans with OSA demonstrated 1.61 additional cases of PD (point estimate; 95% CI, 1.13-2.09) at six years from diagnosis per 1,000 people compared to those without OSA. Results were confirmed when adjusting for body mass index, vascular comorbidities, psychiatric conditions and relevant medications and were of greater magnitude in female veterans. Case numbers were significantly reduced when treated with CPAP early in the disease course.
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