Sleep and Cognitive Function

Sleep Apnea, Snoring Could Be Early Warning Signs of

Dementia

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Sleep apnea and snoring have been linked to earlier cognitive decline and dementia, according to research. A primary symptom of sleep apnea is snoring which is a sound emitted from the upper airways of the throat and is a result of loose, relaxed muscles which vibrate.

Sleep apnea increases risk of dementia

Previous research has also shown a link between sleep apnea and an increased risk of dementia. Although the findings don’t reveal cause and effect between sleep apnea and dementia it does offer insight between the two conditions and offers evidence on how poor sleep may play a role on mental decline.

Study leader Dr. Rebecca Gelber said the new findings “help to explain how sleep disturbances may actually contribute to the development of cognitive impairment and dementia.”

The findings are based on autopsies from 167 elderly Japanese-American men part of a long-term health study. The men’s blood oxygen levels and brain activity were monitored while they slept as part of the study.

One-quarter of the men with the lowest oxygen levels during sleep were almost four times more likely to show microinfarcts in the brain versus those with the highest oxygen levels.

Furthermore the researchers found those who spent less time in slow-wave sleep had greater brain atrophy. Gelber explained, “Slow-wave sleep has been considered the deep, restorative stage of sleep and is important in processing new memories.”

Additional research is required in order to better understand the results and treatment for sleep apnea should also be further explored to determine it’s role in the prevention or delay of cognitive problems.

Thank you!Original Source:http://www.belmarrahealth.com/sleep-apnea-and-snoring-linked-to-earlier-cognitive-decline-dementia/

Original Blog Post:http://content.cpaptotalcare.com/sleep-and-cognitive-function-sleep-apnea-snoring-could-be-early-warning-signs-of-dementia/

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