A new study published in the journal Neurology has identified a potential connection between obstructive sleep apnea and memory decline, shedding light on how this common sleep disorder may contribute to age-related cognitive changes.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax too much during sleep. This temporarily blocks the airway and causes frequent awakenings as the body struggles to breathe. These repeated disruptions lower oxygen levels, which may damage small blood vessels in the brain.
Researchers are particularly concerned about the reduction of oxygen during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a critical stage associated with dreaming, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation.
The study involved 37 participants with an average age of 73, none of whom had been diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Of these, 24 had obstructive sleep apnea and were not taking sleep medications.
Researchers monitored participants’ oxygen levels throughout all sleep stages, with special attention to REM sleep. Brain scans were also conducted to assess structural changes.
The results revealed a clear link between lower oxygen levels during REM sleep and increased white matter damage in the brain. Reduced oxygen levels were also associated with shrinkage in the hippocampus and thinning of the entorhinal cortex, two brain regions essential for memory and learning.
While the study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea may play a role in brain aging and even conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers caution that the findings should not be overgeneralized.
The participant group was limited in diversity, mainly consisting of individuals of White or Asian descent, which may limit how broadly the results can be applied.
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