However, he told Reuters Health, it is "quite plausible" that this is the case. In theory, the chronic oxygen deprivation caused by SDB could damage brain cells. Furthermore, women who are genetically vulnerable to dementia may be more susceptible to this damage.
Studies that follow older adults over time, looking at whether SDB predicts future cognitive decline, are now needed, according to Spira. "Future research that provides this evidence would, in turn, suggest that treatment of apnea could help prevent or reduce cognitive decline," he said.
Regardless of whether this turns out to be the case, though, older adults stand to benefit from having sleep apnea treated, Spira noted. If treatment eases daytime sleepiness, for example, that could improve older adults' ability to function and boost their quality of life, he said.
SOURCE: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, January 2008.
