Sleep-Disordered Breathing Could Raise Risk of Cognitive Impairment

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment and worsening of executive function, according to the results of a recent study.

Previous research has suggested that SDB could be linked to cognitive decline in older individuals, but results from population-based studies have been inconsistent.

The researchers conducted an analysis of 14 cross-sectional and prospective studies that included at least 200 participants with a mean age of 40 years or older.

Pooled analysis from the 6 prospective studies showed that individuals with SDB were 26% more likely to develop cognitive impairment than those without. After the removal of a study which introduced significant heterogeneity, the pooled risk ratio was 1.35.

Analysis of the cross-sectional studies showed that individuals with SDB had slightly worse executive function than those without.

“Sleep-disordered breathing may be an important modifiable risk factor for dementia and other cognitive impairment,” the researchers concluded.

“Further studies are required to determine the mechanisms linking these common conditions and whether treatment of SDB might reduce risk of cognitive impairment.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Leng Y, McEvoy CT, Allen IE. Association of sleep-disordered breathing with cognitive function and risk of cognitive impairment [published online August 28, 2017]. JAMA Neurol. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2017.2180.