It is an unfortunate fact that our race plays a role in whether we are pre-dispositioned to be at a higher risk for certain medical conditions. For Latinos, there may be a higher risk for conditions like untreated sleep apnea, according to a new study published on the Alzheimer’s Association website. While it is unclear why Latinos are at a higher risk for sleep apnea, the study shows that cognitive damage caused by sleep apnea puts this demographic at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease, a dangerous cognitive condition with no cure. If you are Latino, this means you should be hyper-vigilant about your sleep patterns. Ask your partner if you snore, seem to stop and restart breathing during sleep, or wake frequently throughout the night. Don’t have a sleep partner? Check your sleep settings on your smartwatch or fitness tracking device and share your results with your doctor. You can even schedule a sleep study with your physician or sleep specialist. If you do discover you have a sleep disorder, the next step is treatment. There are several options available for addressing sleep apnea signs, which include: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Therapy CPAP therapy is the most common way to address sleep apnea symptoms, however, it is also the most controversial. That’s because many of the people prescribed CPAP therapy do not use the machine as prescribed because they find it awkward and uncomfortable. Recently, one of the most popular brands of CPAP machines was recalled due to an insulating foam in the machine which could cause cancer. Unfortunately due to supply chain shortages from the lockdown last year, there are not enough replacement machines to fulfill the demand for new machines, and many CPAP users face up to a year-long wait for a new machine. Contact your prescribing doctor to find out which machines have been recalled. Sleep Orthotics Sleep orthotics are another solution to sleep apnea. They are custom-fit to your mouth, much like a retainer might be, and they position the jaw in such a way that the airway is propped open as you sleep. Dr. Peterson offers sleep devices in his office and would be happy to customize one for you. No matter your ethnicity, sleep apnea is a serious condition that should be treated accordingly. Don’t think because you are not of a certain race you are safe. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, you owe it to yourself to get a sleep test and address your sleep apnea symptoms.