The study analyzed claims of more than 50,000 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older who had recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Over three years, it was found that patients who used positive airway pressure therapy were less likely to receive a new diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment. These results were compared to patients who did not regularly practice positive airway pressure therapy.
“We found a significant association between positive airway pressure use and lower risk of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia over three years, suggesting that positive airway pressure may be protective against dementia risk in people with OSA,” says lead author Galit Levi Dunietz, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the upper airway collapses throughout the night. This can prevent normal breathing which has been associated with numerous other health conditions, including neurological and cardiovascular diseases.
Dementia is a condition that is prevalent throughout the United States. Approximately 5.8 million American’s are currently living with the condition, which shows that steps need to be taken to reduce these numbers.
Physicians need to address sleep apnea in patients to prevent other illnesses or diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. This study helps shed light on the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and the risk of dementia. By offering effective treatment of sleep apnea, the risk of cognitive decline in older adults could be reduced.