Heavy snoring could increase vulnerability to Alzheimer’s

AN incident of reduced oxygen to the brain caused by a stroke, heart attack, or even heavy snoring, could make people more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease, scientists said today.

Such an incident can leave the patient more open to the gradual build-up of toxic chemicals which can cause Alzheimer’s, a team of scientists at the University of Leeds said. This means a stroke victim may still be more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s decades after they have made a full recovery.

Professor Chris Peers of the school of medicine, who led the research, said: “Our research is looking into what happens when oxygen levels in the brain are reduced by a number of factors, from long-term conditions like emphysema and angina, to sudden incidents such as a heart attack, stroke or even head trauma.