Talking to Your Doctor About This One Thing Could Significantly Decrease Dementia Risk

By now, you may have heard that there's a link between sleep and dementia. But according to a new study, it's not just the total hours you sleep that count, but the quality of your sleep.

The observational study, published in the journal Neurology earlier this month, found that obstructive sleep apnea—which is linked to a reduction in deep sleep—was associated with increased white matter in the brain, which is found in people with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Considering that obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea, affecting 1 billion people worldwide, this news isn't exactly great.

Luckily, there's a lot you can do about obstructive sleep apnea, thus lowering your chances of developing dementia down the road. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Sleep Apnea Increases Dementia Risk

According to Dr. Shelby Harris, Psy.D, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and board certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea deprives the brain of oxygen, which can lead to cognitive decline.

"Repeated interruptions to breathing during sleep can deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to changes in brain structure and function that contribute to cognitive impairment," she says.

In terms of the top signs of sleep apnea to look out for, Dr. Harris says symptoms typically vary. "Some people may have mild symptoms, while some may experience more severe symptoms," she says. "Common symptoms of sleep apnea can include snoring, pauses in breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, irritability and mood changes, and dry mouth or sore throat."

However, Dr. Harris emphasizes, sleep apnea in women is frequently overlooked because many do not experience the typical symptoms. "The symptoms of sleep apnea in women can include insomnia, depression, restless legs and nightmares."

Related: How to Stop Snoring Naturally

Getting a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

The good news is that if you do get a sleep apnea diagnosis, doctors can work with you on a treatment plan to significantly improve oxygen flow to the brain while you sleep, and this will help prevent cognitive decline.

But how can someone go about getting a sleep apnea diagnosis? "Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study that records various body functions during sleep, such as brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, and breathing," Dr. Harris says. "The sleep study data is analyzed by a sleep specialist who looks for specific criteria to determine if the person has sleep apnea and the severity of the condition. Factors such as the person’s medical history, symptoms and physical examination will also be considered in the diagnosis."

Related: New Research and Interventions Give Us Good News About Alzheimer's Disease in 2022

Once a diagnosis is reached, doctors can work with patients to come up with a treatment plan which will not only improve their cognitive function but lower their risk for other dangerous health conditions associated with sleep apnea like cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

"The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep to deliver a constant flow of air and keep the airway open," Dr. Harris says.

Related: Doing This One Thing Every Day Can Significantly Lower Dementia Risk

Treatment is individualized and depends on the severity of the condition, she says, along with with other factors. "That being said, seeking medical attention and following through with recommended treatment is crucial for improving overall health and quality of life, as untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk for other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes."

While the symptoms associated with sleep apnea might just feel like an annoyance, they shouldn't be ignored. So if you suspect you're living with sleep apnea, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about it.

Next up: This Mineral Is Associated With a 41% Decrease In Dementia Risk

Sources

• Dr. Shelby Harris, Psy.D, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, and board certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

• The Dangers of Sleep Apnea. John's Hopkins Medicine. Accessed 5/18/2023.