The Link Between Sleep And Cognitive Impairment In The Elderly

As we age, our quality of sleep often deteriorates causing daytime sleepiness. This is especially common in the elderly with prevalence rates of up to 50%. The most common reason for declined sleep quality is sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – a disruption of normal breathing during sleep.

SDB is also shown to be associated with cognitive impairment, increasing the risk of developing dementia. A study by Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) investigated an older population (over the age of 65), with and without cognitive impairment. They performed sleep studies on these groups and found that the group with cognitive impairments had more sleep disturbances attributed to SDB. Although the casual link between SDB and cognitive impairment in the elderly is not entirely clear, it does highlight the need for clinicians to screen elderly patients with sleep disorders for cognitive impairment. Starting treatment early – such as CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea – is the best way to delay or prevent the onset of cognitive decline.

The CPAP Clinic has a network of 40 clinics nationwide, and works in partnership with Centurion Healthcare, a Respiratory & Sleep Specialist clinic group to provide comprehensive sleep care including:

1. Respiratory & Sleep Specialist consultation – face-to-face and telehealth available
2. Sleep studies – in-lab, home and contactless sleep studies available.

Bulk billing available for specialist telehealth consultations as well as sleep studies. Medicare criteria apply. Call 1300 76 29 39 or email info@thecpapclinic.com.au for more information.