Study Links Symptoms of Sleep Apnea to Memory and Cognitive Issues

A preliminary study suggests that individuals with sleep apnea might have a higher likelihood of experiencing issues with memory or cognitive functions. This study is set to be showcased at the 76th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, taking place both in Denver and online from April 13 to April 18, 2024. While the study indicates a correlation between sleep apnea symptoms and cognitive decline, it has not confirmed sleep apnea as a direct cause of such deterioration.

Sleep apnea, characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. Common symptoms include snorting, gasping, and pauses in breathing, along with morning headaches and difficulty concentrating.

Dominique Low, MD, MPH, from the Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, emphasized the prevalence and underdiagnosis of sleep apnea, pointing out that treatments are available. According to Low, the research demonstrated a significant association between sleep apnea symptoms and the likelihood of memory or cognitive challenges.

The study engaged 4,257 participants, who were surveyed about their sleep quality and any memory or thinking issues. Questions addressed sleep disturbances like snorting, gasping, or breathing pauses, and cognitive concerns such as memory lapses, confusion, concentration difficulties, or decision-making problems.

Out of the participants, 1,079 reported symptoms indicative of sleep apnea. Among these, 33 percent (357 individuals) also reported cognitive or memory issues, in contrast to 20 percent (628 individuals) of those without sleep apnea symptoms.

After considering other potential influences on cognitive function, including age, race, gender, and education level, the study found that individuals reporting sleep apnea symptoms were approximately 50 percent more likely to report memory or cognitive issues than those without such symptoms.

Low underscored the significance of prompt sleep apnea screening and mentioned that effective treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, are accessible. Alongside healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive engagement, managing sleep apnea could potentially mitigate the risk of cognitive decline and enhance life quality.

The study’s limitations include reliance on self-reported data from a single survey, without clinical assessments by healthcare professionals. Further research is necessary to monitor the progression of sleep apnea and its impact on cognitive functions over time.