Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Emerging Risk Factor for Dementia

Title:Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Emerging Risk Factor for Dementia

Volume: 15 Issue: 6

Author(s): Laura Buratti, Simona Luzzi, Cristina Petrelli, Sara Baldinelli, Giovanna Viticchi, Leandro Provinciali, Claudia Altamura, Fabrizio Vernieri and Mauro Silvestrini

Affiliation:

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive deterioration, continuous positive airway pressure, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, pathophysiology, preventive strategies.

Abstract: Epidemiological studies have suggested that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may increase the risk of developing cognitive impairment. In patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the prevalence of OSAS is much higher than that expected in cognitively healthy subjects. A deeper knowledge of the pathophysiological link between OSAS and AD and the demonstration that OSAS may directly influence the development of cognitive alterations, would increase prevention and treatment strategies for AD patients. In this article, we discuss the evidence of the association between OSAS and dementia. Moreover, we present data about the functional and anatomic cerebral changes induced by OSAS and the possible effects on cognitive activities and on AD pathogenesis. The possibility to positively influence cognitive impairment by OSAS treatment will be also discussed.

Cite this article as:

Buratti Laura, Luzzi Simona, Petrelli Cristina, Baldinelli Sara, Viticchi Giovanna, Provinciali Leandro, Altamura Claudia, Vernieri Fabrizio and Silvestrini Mauro, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Emerging Risk Factor for Dementia, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2016; 15 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871527315666160518123930