A recent study shows that sleep apnea The chance of developing dementia may increase, with the effect being particularly strong in women. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Michigan and led by Dr. Tiffany Braley, shows the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea as a preventive measure against potential cognitive decline.

The study, published in the journal Sleep Advances, looked at the health outcomes of more than 18,500 adults aged 50 and older. These participants completed extensive questionnaires on their sleep quality and underwent cognitive assessments to evaluate their brain health. The findings showed that people who had a history of sleep apnea, or even had symptoms indicating possible sleep apnea, had up to a 5 percent higher risk of developing dementia. Although 5 percent may seem modest, the figure remained consistent even after researchers took into account variables such as race and educational background, which are also known to influence dementia risk.

Interestingly, the link between Sleep apnea and risk of dementia It was more pronounced in women than in men, although the reasons behind this gender disparity are still unclear. Researchers suggest that hormonal factors, particularly those related to menopause, may play a role. As women enter menopause, they experience a decline in estrogen, which is linked to changes in memory, sleep patterns, and mood. Dr. Galit Levi Dunitz, co-author of the study and associate professor in neurology and sleep medicine, stressed the need for more research to find out how. sleep disorders Effects on cognitive health in women

“As women enter menopause, estrogen begins to decline, which can affect their brain,” Dunitz explains. “It has not yet been diagnosed after menopause.”

In addition to hormonal changes, untreated sleep apnea is linked to heart disease and insomnia, two conditions that can negatively impact brain health. For both men and women, sleep apnea disrupts sleep and causes sleep fragmentation, leading to inflammatory changes in the brain that can worsen cognitive impairment over time.

Although the study demonstrates an association between sleep apnea and dementia, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. According to Dr. Ronald Cherwin, director of the department of sleep medicine at the University of Michigan, proving causality will require a long-term randomized trial to compare the outcomes of patients who are receiving treatment for sleep apnea and those who are not. .

However, the researchers hope that their findings will encourage healthcare providers and patients to take sleep apnea more seriously as a risk factor for cognitive decline. Cherwin advised, “Clinicians and patients, when making decisions about testing for and treating sleep apnea, should consider the possibility that untreated sleep apnea causes or exacerbates dementia.”

Lifestyle changes, medical devices, and other treatments are available for those looking to manage sleep apnea and potentially reduce cognitive risks.

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