Sleep apnea symptoms are linked to a 50% increased likelihood of reporting memory or thinking problems. This highlights the importance of early screening for sleep apnea to potentially prevent these cognitive issues. These findings were reported in a preliminary study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 76th Annual Meeting ().
Memory Problems More Likely in Sleep Apnea Patients
Sleep apnea is when people stop and restart breathing repeatedly during sleep which can lower oxygen levels in the blood. Symptoms include snorting, gasping, and breathing pauses. People with the disorder may also experience morning headaches or have trouble focusing on tasks.
“Sleep apnea is a common disorder that is often underdiagnosed, yet treatments are available,” said study author Dominique Low, MD, MPH, of Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “Our study found participants who had sleep apnea symptoms had greater odds of having memory or thinking problems.”
‘Did you know? Sleep apnea may increase the risk of memory and thinking problems; emphasizes the need for early screening. #sleepapnea #cognitivedecline #memoryissues #mentalhealth #medindia’
The study involved 4,257 people. Participants completed a questionnaire asking about sleep quality, memory, and thinking problems. For sleep, participants were asked about snorting, gasping, or breathing pauses in their sleep. For memory and thinking, participants were asked questions related to difficulty remembering, periods of confusion, difficulty concentrating, or problems with decision-making.
