Sleep Apnea Ups Risk of Silent Strokes and Brain Lesions
SOURCE: American Heart Association, February, 2012
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Here’s an eye-opener for those suffering from severe sleep apnea. It may increase your risk of silent strokes and lesions in the brain.
People with sleep apnea often experience a lack of oxygen reaching the brain, as well as other parts of the body. Strokes occur when blood—supplied by oxygen—doesn’t flow properly to the brain. “We found a surprisingly high frequency of sleep apnea in patients with stroke that underlines its clinical relevance as a stroke risk factor,” said Jessica Kepplinger, M.D., the study’s lead researcher and stroke fellow in the Dresden University Stroke Center’s Department of Neurology at the University of Technology in Dresden, Germany.
Patients for this study underwent overnight in-hospital testing for sleep apnea. The participants were white with an average age of 67 and 54 percent of them were women. Magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography was used to determine silent strokes and white matter lesions within the volunteers. Kepplinger and her colleagues found that ninety-one percent (51 of 56) of the patients who had a stroke had sleep apnea and were more likely to have silent strokes and white matter lesions that increased their risk of disability at hospital discharge. They also discovered more than one-third of the patients with white matter lesions had severe sleep apnea and more than 50 percent of the silent stroke patients had sleep apnea. Even though men were more likely to have silent infarctions, correlations between sleep apnea and silent infarcts remained the same after adjustment for such gender differences.
Researchers suggested that sleep apnea should be treated the same as other vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure. Kepplinger
and her team plan to do more studies on sleep apnea, particularly in high-risk patients with silent strokes and white matter lesions, to determine the impact of non-invasive ventilation and on short-term clinical outcome.
I am GLAD to be a patient of Dr. Tracey’s because:
Great Office
Lovely assistants
Amazing results
Dr. Tracey is simply the BEST dentist in the Hudson Valley.
Sincerely,
Sue Ceva
Comment by Susan Ceva — July 13, 2011 @ 4:18 pm
I am GLAD I am Dr. Tracey’s patient because he is simply the best! I have been his patient for 30 years (which is weird because I am only 29). When I moved to Connecticut, I went to see a local dentist there and was not GLAD there at all. It was a schlep, but I came back to Dr. Tracey eventually. I still schlep 45 minutes each way (from Putnam County) to see him. It was well worth the speeding ticket I got on the parkway last year on my way to my appointment.
My husband, who used to schelp to New Hampshire to see his childhood dentist, now sees Dr. Tracey too. It was a big step for him, so you KNOW Dr. Tracey is the best.
So here are my reasons:
He always has a smile for me (and my kids when I bring them).
The office staff is just so friendly and helpful (oh, is the office staff judging this?).
I get free floss and a toothbrush.
Parking is ample.
The elevator ride is short.
I never have to wait in the waiting room for a long time.
I get a thumbs up when my gums aren’t bleeding.
Honestly, the only thing that would make my visits better would be a complimentary reflexology while I wait.
Comment by Ava Sanel — July 13, 2011 @ 8:24 pm
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Tracey’s for about 5 years. I chose his office because of a friend, who’s teeth were amazing.
I get my teeth checked every 6 months by him and every 3 months by his dental hygenist Michelle.
Many people don’t like the dentist but I truly enjoy the treatment and quality service that both Dr. Tracey and Michelle extend to me. They are both REAL people that smile and are engaging. All his staff are friendly and professional.
The time spent flies by from the minute I arrive (there’s no waiting, that’s unheard of, most of my doctors should learn how to keep appts.).
I like how high tech and how CLEAN the office is and for as long as he is in business I’m going to be a patient and a big fan.
Comment by Karen Evora — July 17, 2011 @ 12:48 am
Dr. Tracey and his staff are AWESOME!!! Growing up I have had many encounters at the dentist’s office from 12 molars removed at once to wearing braces for almost 3 years. Needless to say I wasn’t very fond of going to the dentist. About 3 years ago I found Dr. Tracey. It was like finding a treasure. I now have no more fears of going to the dentist. Anytime I hear someone complaining about their recent visit to the dentist, I tell them about Dr. Tracey and what their missing!!
Comment by Diana Hill — July 19, 2011 @ 2:26 am
Dr. Tracy and the rest of GLAD saved me from the gruesome and medieval fate of widespread tooth decay. This in and of itself would be a boon, but their proficiency, sincerity, and acute sensitivity to any discomfort I experienced while in the chair also banished my until then persistent phobia of dentistry. Although I currently live in the D.C. area, I always schedule my dentist appointments for occasions when I am in the New York area for the single purpose of patronizing GLAD’s most superior establishment.
Capital job!
Comment by Nick O'Connell — August 2, 2011 @ 5:21 pm
Allow me to share a joke:
“I came in to make an appointment with the dentist” said the man to the receptionist. “I’m sorry sir, he’s not in right now but I can…”- “Thank you” the obviously nervous new patient interrupted “When will he be out again?”.
This would never happen at GLAD dentistry. I can see from the existing blog posts that I am not (as I previously thought) the only person in the world who enjoys going to the dentist! The staff at GLAD is by far the kindest, friendliest, and liveliest bunch I have ever encountered in an office. When I walk into the office it is almost like the Cheers theme song “Everybody knows your name and they’re always GLAD you came” (pardon my cheesiness!). My family has been going to GLAD dentistry for years, and although I live in Manhattan, I refuse to go to a local dentist. I enjoy my time with the GLAD dental assistants who know me and not only make my teeth sparkle, but make me feel like I’ve just gone for a cup of coffee with a friend! I trust Dr. Tracey’s expertise, and appreciate his kind personality. I leave the office feeling incredibly satisfied with my dental experience. I look forward to receiving my next “appointment reminder” postcard in the mail! See you all soon! Thanks for years of amazing care!
p.s. when I was very young I won a stuffed Panda bear in another dental contest- let’s hope my dentist contest luck continues!
♥ Diana ♥
Reply Forward
Comment by Diana Weilgus — August 3, 2011 @ 3:51 pm
Forget the anxiety and be GLAD for one of the most stress free dentist visit’s you will ever experience! I am so GLAD I recently became Dr. Tracey’s patient because he easily made this patient feel comfortable and anxiety free during our visit. I was encouraged by his staff to attend a consultation with Dr. Tracey and before I knew it, I was in his chair and comfortably doing what I should have been doing for the last few years, taking care of my teeth.
Dr. Tracey’s state of the art, technology based office was impressive and I was afforded the opportunity to be treated with the Laser. I was also treated the traditional way; with a drill but because Dr. Tracey has modern technology, he was able to provide a comfortable treatment using The Wand Computerized Anesthetic System. The Magic Wand was able to keep me relaxed because I didn’t feel a thing. Dr Tracey was then able to use the drill without my feeling any pain or discomfort. To sum things up, I was anxiety ridden and unable to commit to making appointments with any dentist. Upon reading about Dr. Tracey’s abilities, I called the office. The staff was kind and patient with my craziness and was able to get me into the office. Dr. Tracey took over from that point and the experience was completely quick, stress and pain free! It doesn’t get any better than Dr. Tracey and that is why I am GLAD to be a patient:)
Comment by Joanne Scichilone — August 14, 2011 @ 9:44 pm
I’ve been going to Dr. Tracey for quite a while now. It has great service and provides and excellent environment. The staff is very nice and friendly. You can pretty much start a long conversation with them about anything. When scheduling appointments, they accommodate your schedule and it always works out for the best. It is really great to walk out of the office with clean teeth. Having clean teeth is so important, and they make sure the patients keep up. They even send out post cards for “overdue” or a “reminders”. After your cleaning, what is excellent is that Dr. Tracey examines every patient to make sure their teeth is good and answer any questions you may have regarding your teeth. Dr. Tracey has cool goggles too. It probably zooms in at really small, tiny particles. Maybe i would want to get one of those also. Overall, i totally love going to Dr. Tracey for cleanings and would recommend it to others. Oh and they have good coffee and the magazines are current. I like reading the magazines (people, sports illustrated) also which keeps me occupied if i wait for my parents.
Comment by Aaron Chin — August 27, 2011 @ 5:00 pm
I am GLAD, for his excellent job and friendlly professional group.
Comment by Henry Lopez — September 5, 2011 @ 7:12 pm
An unusual combination of intimacy and expertise is really what makes visiting Dr. Tracey’s office a completely fulfilling experience. As we all know, finding a big name doctor usually means accepting a degree of insignificance (“I’m just a number”) but we sacrifice our sense of importance to receive the best care possible. Dr. Tracey has all the qualities of a big name–he stays current with new technology, keeps educating himself, he has won awards and is well regarded by others—but visiting him still feels as familiar as when I began to visit him as a toddler.
I can still remember looking up at the wall of pictures of Dr. Tracey’s patients as I aged, always marveled at my own face, among the many other children who came to see him. Even then, I intuited that there was something different about this doctor, who gently explained everything he did before he did it and let me ask questions and “try out” the toothbrush on my hand before he applied it to my teeth.
Now that I’m older, I can fully appreciate that Dr. Tracey is a unique doctor. The things that have changed are mostly technological–instead of hearing ::scrape:: scrape:: while Michal removes the tartar from my teeth, I feel a pleasant blast of cool water that helps me to focus on our wonderful conversations. Later, when I see Dr. Tracey for his once over and approval, I’m amazed that he still remembers little details about my life. He asks how my Ph.d. Program and we talk about anthropology, travel and learning.
I couldn’t be happier to be Dr. Tracey’s patient. Give him a try and you will be too.
Comment by Melissa Rosario — September 9, 2011 @ 7:07 pm
I’m GLAD doctor Tracey is a kind man who honestly cares for his patients. I’m GLAD he embraces technology and strives to move forward in the dental field. I’m GLAD he sees patients of all ages from my parents, to my brother and sisters, and even my nieces and nephews. But most of all, I’m GLAD that he is willing to accept back a ravenous patient, with a smile on his face and enough trust not to wear protective gear : )
Comment by Allison Schultz — September 12, 2011 @ 10:17 pm
A good dentist is hard to find. When I was younger my Mother took me to several dentists that were “cold and clinical” and caused pain every time they cleaned or did a procedure on my teeth. This made me FEAR the dentist and as I got a little older, I stopped going for a couple of years. As a result, my teeth needed “a serious cleaning” and some attention. A friend told me about Dr. Tracey so I gave him chance. After I told Dr. Tracey my horrible experience with previous dentists he immediately started joking with me…asking me “which drill should I use?” He made me smile and then proceeded to make my smile beautiful over the last 20+ years with his and his staff’s care and expertise. During the time I have been a patient I have gotten married, had a baby and moved to New Jersey and now my husband (who is hard to please) and Son travel about 1 1/2 hours for our 6 month check-ups and are also GLAD patients.
Dr. Tracey keeps up with the latest technology and always asks if there are concerns or if there is anything that you would like to see improved. I was very self conscious about the crooked teeth I had and he suggested Invisalign and gave me information and a payment schedule that worked for me. I have had perfectly straight teeth for a few years now and my husband was so impressed he is now in the process of getting braces with the 6 Month Smile program.
Now that my teeth are in such good shape, I mostly spend my appointments with the extremely professional and friendly dental hygenist’s (Carmen and Michal) who are down to earth and genuinely friendly people.
When I met Dr. Tracey I was terrified of the dentist, now I am GLAD to look forward to a visit with “old friends” that me and my family trust and GLAD to have great, healthy teeth. THANK YOU DR. TRACEY AND YOUR GREAT TEAM!
Comment by Angela Cunningham — September 13, 2011 @ 3:43 am
Dr. Tracy and his staff have been providing their services for my family and I since I’ve been around six years old. GLAD has the most professional staff and have always treated our family with the upmost respect! Dr. Tracy and staff are always up to date with the newest technology and because of that, going to the dentist has NEVER been a scary painful experience. Thank you guys, I’m GLAD to be a patient! =)
P.S. Doesn’t my little sister have the prettiest smile?!? Thanks to Dr. Tracy! (She is the second to the right on the top of this page!!! )
Comment by Andrew Sciandra — September 14, 2011 @ 9:42 pm
I can’t think of anything more to say about Dr Tracey I agree with everything everyone has said already. I have been going to him since 1918, and I still have teeth. I honestly do think of him as a family member because when my children and I get together we always talk about him in the most glowing terms even ravenous Allison. I always tell everyone if there is a new dental innovation Dr. Tracey will have it or maybe he invents them? Hmmmm He always has a joke and is very present to what a patient is feeling. I love his office staff, they listen to everything with an open mind. I am proud and in awe that he went to the Dominican Republic to work on the people in need there. He is awesome.
Comment by Patricia Schultz — September 15, 2011 @ 8:25 pm
I’ve always been scared going to the dentist. Years ago I found one that scared me the least….but I’d always be in the office for hrs (even when he showed up on time) & always in pain. Not to mention him & the staff weren’t very nice. I would try to come up with excuses to not go. Then I found Dr.Tracey. Both him & the staff are extremely nice. They’re on time & Dr.Tracey actually finished working on a tooth that my old dentist never finished. Besides all of this, they took extra time to inform me about gum disease & how to prevent it. I was diagnosed with celiac disease about 1yr ago & this can be a big issue. Basically both Dr.Tracey & the staff care about their patients & I’m not longer afraid of going to the dentist. I’m GLAD to be a patient of his.
Comment by Christine Torres — September 17, 2011 @ 6:17 pm
Here is a poem for Dr. Tracey using the word “GLAD”:
G- Gentle treatment for bleeding gums, gingivitis, and cavities too!
L- Love his smiling staff, Michele, Karen, Vicky, Denise, and Mary Lou.
A- Awesome painless laser treatments are his specialty, I know because they have always helped me!
D- Dr. Tracey is always there when you’re in a painful jam, for all your dental needs he is the man!
Comment by Wendy Cohen — September 20, 2011 @ 8:21 pm
I’m truly glad to finally be a patient of Dr. Tracey! In the past, I have seen a handful of dentists, but Dr. Tracey is head and shoulders above the rest- he is personable, passionate about his work, and 100% professional. For once in my life, I am excited to go to the dentist, especially since I can tell my husband about the LASERS (dr. Evil voice impression) used in the office. Who knows, maybe in a few years I’ll have another reason to be glad that I’m Dr. Tracey’s patient- like when his cavity-fighting-laser-technology sends him on superhero adventures in my kids’ bedtime stories(and possibly my husband’s too)!! Thanks again to all my friends in the Dr. Tracey office.
Comment by jennifer argenti-finley — September 22, 2011 @ 12:04 pm
I FIND THE STAFF IN MOST DR OFFICES ARE NOT SO PLEASANT HOWEVER THE STAFF IN DR TRACEY’S OFFICE MAKES UP FOR THEM THEY ARE THE NICEST GROUP OF PEOPLE IN ANY DR’S OFFICE AROUND. AND LET’S NOT FORGET DR TRACY HIMSELF IF ANYONE HAS ANY FEAR OF DENTIST THEY SHOULD TRY MY KIND HIGH TECH DENTIST DR TRACEY.
Comment by eileen pessalano — September 22, 2011 @ 12:33 pm
I go jetting off to Dr. Tracey with a smile of gladness
For I am greeted and treated by an incredible staff
. . . . who really care about me.
Perfection is my middle name, but Dr. Tracey’s trade name.
I am grateful for his quality workmanship > pain free;
But also delighted he shares good humor with me.
My visits to Dr. Tracey are glad happy days,
Because I am convincing GLAD and happy to brag,
I have found the RIGHT man.
Call Dr. Robert Tracey and never go mad.
Patient for two decades.
Comment by Linda Joyce — September 23, 2011 @ 2:46 pm