Sleep apnea and dementia?

http://www.timescolonist.com/health/Sle ... story.html

Brief media article, older females.

Obviously poor sleep quality affects memory, the question is whether it leads to irreversible problems of dementia.

Abstract at http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/306/6/613.

BigNortherner wrote:... Obviously poor sleep quality affects memory, the question is whether it leads to irreversible problems of dementia. ...

The problem is ... what were we talking about again?

I can not imagine that the resulting high blood pressure and constant stress of dealing with untreated sleep apnea (central or obstructive) would be anything other than harmful for the brain. Thus, left untreated, I am not surprised to hear it will lead to dementia. At a certain point the damage can not be repaired. Sure, removing the stress will help. But it won't un-ring the bell.

Hi All

I do not know what the diagnostic and treatment options there are in other countries, but in Victoria, Australia, we have the Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS).

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/subacute/cdams.htm

and for more -

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=cdams ... =firefox-a

I used this service some years ago when it finally got through to me that I had a serious short-term memory problem. I went through all the tests mentioned in the link, and yes, I have short-term memory loss, and no, I did not have dementia.

I might add the the above appraisal did not cost me anything. We also ended up with a benchmark for future use if I ever went back.

From the information given, plus my problem with laryngeal pharyngeal spasms my Doctor referred me to a Sleep Specialist, and so started my journey to OSA recovery.

Now, after 2 1/2 years of OSA recovery, my question is - has my established short term memory problem got any better ?

And the answer is - yes, but only moderately. Enough to notice an improvement, but not enough to say I no longer have it, or it is not sometimes still a problem. And if I am worried, I can always go back for another assessment

So I recommend a thorough medical, psychological and environmental cognitive assessment to anyone who is worried about this; to set your mind at ease, or to give you tools to combat your cognitive problems.

cheers

Mars

I think this article is directed to people, in this case older women, who have undiagnosed and/or untreated sleep apnea.