Study links obstructive sleep apnea to increased dementia risk in women

While the overall difference in those dementia diagnoses never rose above 5%, the association remained statistically significant even after researchers accounted for many other factors that can affect dementia risk, such as race and education.

In fact, the rate of dementia diagnosis decreased among the men and grew larger for the women as they aged.

Reasons for the sex-specific differences in dementia diagnosis by sleep apnea status, researchers say, are not yet known. However, they pose several possible explanations.

"These potential harms caused by sleep apnea, many of which threaten cognitive performance and decline, highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment," Braley said.

Source:

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan

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