Sleep Apnea May Increase The Risk Of Memory And Thinking Problems, Finds Study

sleep apnea may increase the risk of memory and thinking problems, finds study

A preliminary study found that people with sleep apnea might be more likely to have memory or thinking problems. The study found a favourable relationship between sleep apnea and cognitive issues, however, it did not determine whether sleep apnea causes cognitive deterioration.

The study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 76th Annual Meeting in April on April 13-18, 2024, in person in Denver and online.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder wherein there are pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These interruptions can occur multiple times every hour, disrupting the sleep cycle and reducing oxygen flow to vital organs. Common symptoms of the condition include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep and daytime fatigue.

There are two main types: obstructive sleep apnea which is caused by the relaxation of throat muscles and central sleep apnea, where the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Risk factors of the condition are obesity, older age and family history.

The study author Dominique Low, MD, MPH of Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology said, “Sleep apnea is a common disorder that is often underdiagnosed, yet treatments are available. Our study found participants who had sleep apnea symptoms had greater odds of having memory or thinking problems.”

For the study, the scientists looked at 4,257 people. The participants completed a questionnaire asking about sleep quality as well as memory and thinking problems. For sleep, participants were asked about snorting, gasping or breathing pauses in their sleep. For memory and thinking, participants were asked questions related to difficulty remembering, periods of confusion, difficulty concentrating or problems with decision-making.

Of all the participants who were a part of the study, 1,079 reported symptoms of sleep apnea. Of those with symptoms, 357 people, or 33 per cent, reported memory or thinking problems compared to 628 people, or 20 per cent of people without sleep apnea symptoms.

After adjusting for other factors that can affect memory and thinking problems, such as age, race, gender and education, researchers found that people who reported sleep apnea symptoms were about 50 per cent more likely to also report having memory or thinking problems compared to people who did not have sleep apnea symptoms.

Low said, “These findings highlight the importance of early screening for sleep apnea. Effective treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are readily available. Quality sleep, along with eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, social engagement and cognitive stimulation, may ultimately reduce a person’s risk of thinking and memory problems, improving their quality of life.”

The scientists also highlight the limitations of the study. These include the data was sourced from one survey and participants reported their symptoms instead of being assessed by medical professionals. Additional studies are needed following people’s sleep apnea, memory and thinking symptoms over time.

(With inputs from ANI)