Obstructive Sleep Apnea and α-Synucleinopathies: Nationwide Analysis From South Korea’s Healthcare Database

Background and Objective The complex relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and neurodegenerative diseases is increasingly being recognized. This study aims to elucidate the association between OSA and α-synucleinopathies, with a focus on Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), highlighting the impact of demographic variables.Methods Employing a retrospective cohort approach, we analyzed 103785 patients diagnosed with OSA and their matched controls. The data were sourced from South Koreas National Health Insurance claims database spanning 2010 to 2019. Our investigation centered on the incidence of PD, PDD, and DLB among patients with OSA, utilizing chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression to compute adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Additionally, we conducted a subgroup analysis focusing on variations by sex and age.Results The findings indicate that individuals suffering from OSA had a significantly elevated risk for PD (AOR = 2.166, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.840–2.549, p < 0.0001) and DLB (AOR = 4.001, 95% CI: 1.501–10.660, p = 0.0056). Subgroup analyses further highlighted that the association between PD, DLB, and OSA was markedly stronger in men and escalated in those above 60 years of age.Conclusions Our analysis establishes a substantial link between OSA and an increased likelihood of developing PD and DLB, emphasizing the vital role demographic factors play. These findings suggest the need for intensified surveillance and customized management strategies for OSA, particularly among individuals at heightened risk for neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, this research lays the foundation for further studies into the progression and therapeutic interventions for these conditions.