Untreated sleep disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea may increase the risk of dementia in the elderly. These sleep disorders have previously been linked to diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

This new study looked at 298 women over 65 who began the study without dementia or cognitive impairment. After four years had passed the women were monitored for sleep disorders. After another five years had passed the women were once again tested for cognitive function and dementia.

When the results were computed, the researchers found that about one third of all the women had developed some sort of cognitive problem. They also found that those with sleep apnea were almost twice as likely to have cognitive problems appear. These findings suggest that providing treatment for sleep disordered breathing may reduce the chances of elderly patients developing dementia or memory problems.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea but are unable to sleep with your CPAP machine then oral appliance therapy may be the answer you have been looking for. Please contact our Gahanna office at 614-476-6696 today to schedule your consultation.