Sleep apnea signs linked to reminiscence and pondering issues

Individuals who expertise sleep apnea could also be extra prone to even have reminiscence or pondering issues, based on a preliminary examine that shall be offered on the American Academy of Neurology’s 76th Annual Assembly going down April 13–18, 2024, in individual in Denver and on-line. The examine exhibits a constructive affiliation however didn’t decide whether or not sleep apnea causes cognitive decline.

Sleep apnea is when folks cease and restart respiratory repeatedly throughout sleep which might decrease oxygen ranges within the blood. Signs embody snorting, gasping and respiratory pauses. Individuals with the dysfunction may additionally expertise morning complications or have hassle specializing in duties.

“Sleep apnea is a standard dysfunction that’s usually underdiagnosed, but remedies can be found,” stated examine writer Dominique Low, MD, MPH, of Boston Medical Heart in Massachusetts, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “Our examine discovered members who had sleep apnea signs had higher odds of getting reminiscence or pondering issues.”

The examine concerned 4,257 folks. Members accomplished a questionnaire asking about sleep high quality in addition to reminiscence and pondering issues. For sleep, members had been requested about snorting, gasping or respiratory pauses of their sleep. For reminiscence and pondering, members had been requested questions associated to problem remembering, durations of confusion, problem concentrating or issues with resolution making.

Of all members, 1,079 reported signs of sleep apnea. Of these with signs, 357 folks, or 33%, reported reminiscence or pondering issues in comparison with 628 folks, or 20% of individuals with out sleep apnea signs.

After adjusting for different components that might have an effect on reminiscence and pondering issues, akin to age, race, gender and training, researchers discovered that individuals who reported sleep apnea signs had been about 50% extra prone to additionally report having reminiscence or pondering issues in comparison with individuals who didn’t have sleep apnea signs.

“These findings spotlight the significance of early screening for sleep apnea,” stated Low. “Efficient remedies like steady constructive airway strain (CPAP) machines are available. High quality sleep, together with consuming a nutritious diet, common train, social engagement and cognitive stimulation, might finally scale back an individual’s threat of pondering and reminiscence issues, enhancing their high quality of life.”

Limitations of the examine embody that the information was sourced from one survey and members reported their signs as an alternative of being assessed by medical professionals. Extra research are wanted following folks’s sleep apnea, reminiscence and pondering signs over time.