Dementia is associated with several well-known risk factors, including high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated cholesterol levels.
Obstructive sleep apnea is often seen in the same individuals, making it difficult to determine how much of an impact the sleep disorder has on its own.
A new study published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia and cited by HealthDay therefore examined whether sleep apnea alone could affect brain function.
It can be treated
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airways become completely or partially blocked during sleep.
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This can lead to snoring, interrupted breathing, and poor sleep quality.
At the same time, the brain receives less oxygen, which may impair its function.
The condition can be treated with a CPAP machine, lifestyle changes, weight loss, or custom-fitted oral appliances.
A sleep study can be used to diagnose the condition.
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Risk of dementia
The researchers studied adults between the ages of 40 and 77, comparing people with and without obstructive sleep apnea.
Among other things, they assessed the participants' memory and other cognitive abilities.
The results showed that people with untreated sleep apnea had poorer memory, lower cognitive performance, and a higher risk of dementia.
The association remained even after the researchers accounted for other well-known risk factors.
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In contrast, people who received treatment for sleep apnea performed at a level comparable to participants without the disorder.
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