A study from Monash University has revealed that improving the identification and management of sleep apnea and related vascular risk factors during midlife may help support long-term brain health. The research, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, examined the connection between sleep apnea, cognitive abilities, and dementia risk among cognitively healthy middle-aged adults.
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The investigation involved 2,795 participants aged between 40 and 70, part of the Australian Healthy Brain Project. They completed online assessments evaluating their cognitive skills and health. Researchers compared the cognitive performance and dementia risk factors of individuals diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to those without.
OSA is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by the repeated narrowing or collapse of the airway during sleep, resulting in interruptions in breathing. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping, or choking.
The study findings indicated that participants suffering from OSA exhibited poorer memory compared to their peers without the condition. Notably, the memory deficits were mainly evident in those with untreated OSA, while participants receiving treatment showed cognitive performance comparable to those without the disorder.
Additionally, individuals with OSA exhibited a higher prevalence of dementia risk factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Although these factors partly accounted for the relationship between OSA and cognitive impairment, they did not entirely clarify the diminished memory performance observed in affected individuals.
Gabriel Abdelmessih, the lead author and a Ph.D. candidate in clinical neuropsychology at Monash University, highlighted the significance of early detection and treatment of sleep apnea to prevent notable cognitive decline. He pointed out that although sleep apnea is common and treatable, it is often overlooked in discussions about dementia risk.
Abdelmessih stated, "Our findings suggest that identifying and managing sleep apnea in midlife may represent an important opportunity to support long-term brain health. Sleep apnea often co-occurs with other modifiable dementia risk factors, which underscores the need to consider it when assessing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia."
The researchers plan to explore whether addressing sleep apnea and associated vascular risk factors collectively could enhance brain health and reduce dementia risk as individuals age.