Study:Sleep Apnea Linked to Dementia Risk

Jay Druba August 26, 2011

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A recent study at the University of California suggests that women over the age of 55 are more likely to develop dementia if they suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which tissue in the throat collapses and blocks airflow, disrupting the victim’s sleep pattern. Dementia is a condition that leads to the degeneration of the brain.

The study involved nearly 300 women who seemed to have normal brain function and gave no signs of dementia. Researchers tested these women for cognitive impairments– any who were found to be impaired were released from the study. These women were then revisited five years later, when scientists observed a number of things, including their sleep habits and cognitive function. The researchers found that over a third of the women experienced dementia or cognitive problems.

The women who suffered from sleep apnea, though, were far more likely to have encountered dementia or cognitive problems. 44% of those with apnea also suffered dementia, while only 31% of those without apnea suffered dementia. While sleep apnea can’t be blamed entirely for dementia, said Kristine Yaffe, MD, who lead the study, the study shows that it can certainly contribute to the condition.

While the two conditions have long been linked, this study is among the first to establish that apnea may contribute to the loss of cognitive function, rather than the other way around. So what does this mean for sufferers of sleep apnea? Since the condition is treatable, treatment may also lead to a decrease in dementia and other brain-related conditions.

The study raises other questions about sleep and mental health, though. Regardless of apnea, the long-term affects of poor sleep (whatever the reason) may contribute to cognitive issues and dementia, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

The researchers found several factors that had changed among the women after the five years had passed. Although the researchers were unable to conclude which changes might have lead to the cognitive loss, Yaffe said, there’s a high likelihood that the lack of oxygen reaching the brain was a leading factor.

About the author:

Jay Druba is a health and fitness enthusiast. A lifelong runner, he enjoys keeping up with the latest health trends and news across a wide variety of topics.