[Health] CPAP, APNEA, AND DEMENTIA

[srlevine1]

For those debating about xPAP therapy or discontinuing treatment... 

Obstructive sleep apnea treatment and dementia risk in older adults

Abstract

Study Objectives

To examine associations between positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, adherence and incident diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia not otherwise specified (DNOS) in older adults

Results

In this sample of Medicare beneficiaries with OSA, 59% were men, 90% were non-Hispanic whites and 62% were younger than 75 years. The majority (78%) of beneficiaries with OSA were prescribed PAP (treated), and 74% showed evidence of adherent PAP use. In adjusted models, PAP treatment was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD and DNOS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.69 to 0.89; and OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.85). Lower odds of MCI, approaching statistical significance, were also observed among PAP users (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.02). PAP adherence was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.76).

Conclusions

PAP treatment and adherence are independently associated with lower odds of incident AD diagnoses in older adults. Results suggest that treatment of OSA may reduce the risk of subsequent dementia.

[Rcgop]

Interesting, I have am appointment with the neurologist tomorrow for my wife and I suspect she also has sleep apnea. She has been tested to have mild cognitive impairment and memory loss associated with dementia. 

I will put that on my list of questions.

[srlevine1]

Interesting, I have am appointment with the neurologist tomorrow for my wife and I suspect she also has sleep apnea.

You may wish to ask about a full physical workup because low oxygen levels, thyroid issues, etc. can have an effect on memory as can certain drugs and supplements.

Best of luck.