Obstructive sleep apnoea and dementia: is there a link?
OBJECTIVE
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common sleep disturbance in people of all ages, while dementia is an increasing entity among the ageing population of the world. Recent studies have established a link between sleep apnoea and cognitive decline. This literature review explores this relationship and examines the mechanisms, neurobiology and treatment modalities.


METHODS
The study was conducted with the use of narrative literature overview.


CONCLUSIONS
While there are numerous studies that establish a clear relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea, cognitive decline and dementia, more work is needed in understanding the mechanism and processes involved. A detailed understanding of pathophysiology of sleep and the relationship with cognitive decline will be vital in addressing the possibility of averting a likely reversible cause of dementia or cognitive decline.
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK.
Abhishek
A
Shastri
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK.
Santosh
S
Bangar
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK.|Leeds Institute of Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
John
J
Holmes
D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003704:Dementia / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
cognition; dementia; sleep apnoea