Research has revealed a sex-specific link between obstructive sleep apnea and the risk of developing dementia, particularly in older women. The study included 18,815 U.S. adults aged 50 and older who were initially dementia-free and followed for 10 years. Results showed that women with obstructive sleep apnea had a higher incidence of dementia than men with the condition by age 80. Researchers suggest that sleep apnea is a modifiable risk factor for dementia and recommend screening for people with sleep disorders. Post-menopausal changes in estrogen levels and underdiagnosed sleep apnea in women may contribute to the increased risk. More studies are needed to understand how sleep disorders impact cognitive health in women.
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Study Links A Common Sleep Disorder To Dementia; Higher Risk In Women
