Researchers find there is a connection between Sleep apnea (sleep-disturbed breathing), and dementia.
Sleep Study
Researchers studied 1,752 older adults (average age 68) using EEG, questionnaires, and cognitive assessments.
Sleep Results
Participants with sleep apnea and hypoxemia displayed worse attention spans and slower cognitive ability compared to the control group. Moreover, there is a high correlation between the APOE-ε4 allele protein and significant cognitive and sleep deficits.
Conclusion
The study highlights the potential of using screening and treatment of sleep apnea as a way to reduce risk of dementia, especially in people who carry the APOE-ε4 allele. Clearly,  this condition negatively affects attention, processing speed, and memory.
Especially relevant, this study indicates that providing these screenings and treatment for Seniors is a viable strategy to reduce dementia risk.