Heavy Snorers, People with Sleep Apnea could be more likely to Develop Memory Problems

According to a new study, heavy snorers and people with sleep apnea may have more chances of developing memory and thinking problems at younger ages as compared to their well-rested peers.

Researchers said that there is a possibility that treating sleep apnea with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) could delay mental decline. Dr. Ricardo Osorio, lead researcher, a research assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University's Center for Cognitive Neurology said that treatment might not cure the disease, but there is a possibility that it might delay the onset of memory problems.

Osorio said that the study has only showed a link between sleep disruption and developing mild mental impairment or Alzheimer's early. It is not confirmed that sleep apnea or snoring caused the mental decline.

The onset of mild mental decline among those who received treatment with CPAP took place about a decade later as compared to those whose sleep problems weren't treated. According to background information in the study, sleep apnea and heavy snoring are common in seniors and it affects about 53% of men and 26% of women.

“Sleep apnea is under diagnosed in the elderly and unrecognized as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease”, said Osorio.

For the study, the medical records of about 2,500 people have been reviewed and people were between 55 and 90 years old. People who had untreated sleep breathing problems have been compared with those who treated with CPAP during sleep. According to the researchers, it was found that people with sleep disruption were diagnosed with mild mental impairment about 10 years as compared with those who didn't have sleep problems.