Sleep Apnea Symptoms Linked to Memory, Thinking Problems: Study

Sleep Apnea Symptoms Linked to Memory, Thinking Problems: Study

Dil Bar Irshad | March 4, 2024 | 10:13 PM IST | Health, Mental Health | Follow on Google News

Sleep Apnea Symptoms Linked to Memory, Thinking Problems: Study

Sleep Apnea Symptoms Linked to Memory, Thinking Problems: Study

People grappling with sleep apnea may face an elevated risk of encountering memory or cognitive challenges, suggests a preliminary study set to be unveiled at the American Academy of Neurology’s 76th Annual Meeting this April in Denver. The study, conducted by Dr. Dominique Low from Boston Medical Center, delves into the potential association between sleep apnea symptoms and cognitive decline.

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Sleep Apnea Symptoms Linked to Memory: A Silent Culprit in Cognitive Health

Sleep apnea, characterized by intermittent breathing disruptions during sleep, may lead to reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Recognizable symptoms encompass snorting, gasping, breathing pauses, morning headaches, and difficulties in concentration. Despite being an underdiagnosed condition, Dr. Low emphasizes the availability of effective treatments for sleep apnea.

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The study encompassed 4,257 participants who completed a comprehensive questionnaire addressing sleep quality, memory, and thinking issues. Notably, 1,079 participants reported sleep apnea symptoms, and of those, 33% experienced memory or cognitive problems. In contrast, 20% of participants without sleep apnea symptoms reported such challenges.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms Linked to Memory: Implications for Cognitive Health

Upon adjusting for influencing factors like age, race, gender, and education, the study found that individuals with sleep apnea symptoms were 50% more likely to report memory or thinking problems. Dr. Low underscores the significance of early screening for sleep apnea, advocating for interventions like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines to mitigate potential cognitive risks.

While the study acknowledges limitations, such as reliance on self-reported symptoms and data from a single survey, it calls for additional research tracking sleep apnea, memory, and cognitive symptoms over an extended period. The findings emphasize the crucial role of early detection and intervention in preserving cognitive health and enhancing overall quality of life.

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.