Sleep apnea is a new risk factor for dementia

Published

July 6, 2018 06:30:54

The treatment of a common sleep disorder that prevents patients from stopping breathing could help prevent dementia, according to an Australian study.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles of the throat relax, causing blockage of the airways, resulting in decreased levels of oxygen in the blood.

According to experts at the Brain and Mind Center of the University of Sydney, a new study indicates that oxygen deprivation may be related to changes in the temporal lobes of the brain and to a lower capacity to learn new information.

Professor Sharon Naismith said that up to 75% of Australians over the age of 65 were affected by sleep apnea and that treatment could help prevent dementia in this population [19659003] "In our study, we showed during sleep, apnea is likely to contribute to changes in memory and changes in the brain," she said.

"This research shows that the disordered breathing of sleep is a new risk factor for dementia. "

Professor Naismith said that it was the first study to establish this link in the elderly, and that it was not the only factor in the risk of dementia. There was no cure for dementia Sleep Apnea could be an opportunity to prevent cognitive decline before it's too late.

"We have many ways to to treat sleep apnea, so contrary to other factors of ri sque of dementia where we can not always provide optimal treatment, it is the only example where we know that if we can catch it early enough, we have a very good chance of preventing cognitive decline.

"We do not have any direct numbers yet, but it is certainly plausible that we can avoid many cases of dementia by taking it early and treating it."

& # 39; I am happy that there is any chance "

The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, observed 83 people aged 51 to 88 years old who consulted their doctor following memory concerns.

Catherine M, who participated in the study, said that she had first approached her GP about her failing memory before referring to the Healthy Brain Aging Program of the Brain and Mind Center

. was diagn with mild cognitive impairment. It was such a blow, "she said.

"It is from there that I was asked to do a study of nighttime sleep revealing that I had moderate sleep apnea. "

Since her diagnosis, Catherine M apnea sleep via a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure), and stated that even though she was not sure of having stopped her cognitive decline, his life had changed for the better.

"This did not happen instantly, but very gradually it seemed to me that I slept longer [and] my whole life changed."

"When you sleep well, it's an entirely different state of mind, I was so mentally and physically motivated."

"I do not know if it affected my cognition. .. but it makes me so happy to think that there is even the slightest chance of stopping something, stalling something … even if it does it thoroughly. "

Professor Naismith said that research has shown that anyone who worries about his memory should immediately examine it.

" Older people who are concerned about their memory and their thinking skills She said, "We have shown that these sleep problems are important and we should consider them when we look at the different things that can be observed. contributing to memory loss. "

Topics:

alzheimers-and-dementia,

sleep disorders,

brain-and-nervous system,

older people,

research projects,

research organizations,

research,

health,

human interest,

Sydney-2000