Sleep apnea is a common disorder where a person experiences breathing problems during sleep. The health condition is characterized by one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths. Each pause may last for several seconds or minutes.

1. The Restaurant
Phone no:
(03) 53321
Address:
WZYZ Avenue, Sydney Australia
Royal District Nursing Service
Website: www.rdns.com.au/
Address: 31 Alma Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: 1300 33 44 55
Sleep
Apnea: A
Risk Factor
for
Dementia?
Royal District
Nursing Service
Address: 31 Alma Rd, St
Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: 1300 33 44 55

2. The Restaurant
Phone no:
(03) 53321
Address:
WZYZ Avenue, Sydney Australia
Royal District Nursing Service
Website: www.rdns.com.au/
Address: 31 Alma Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: 1300 33 44 55
Adding to that list of complications is dementia. Recent studies
show that people who experience less time in deep sleep may be at
risk for brain changes that may contribute to dementia.
Sleep apnea is a common disorder where a person experiences
breathing problems during sleep. The health condition is
characterized by one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths.
Each pause may last for several seconds or minutes.
The health condition interrupts natural sleep rhythm, which is why
most patients feel tired all the time. It may also lead to a number of
health problems, including, but not limited to: high blood pressure,
diabetes, heart failure, and depression.

3. The Restaurant
Phone no:
(03) 53321
Address:
WZYZ Avenue, Sydney Australia
Royal District Nursing Service
Website: www.rdns.com.au/
Address: 31 Alma Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: 1300 33 44 55
Researchers reported that poor sleep may affect mental
health. A good night’s sleep is important to the brain
because it facilitates and improves cognitive functions. In
the study, researchers conducted brain autopsies of 167
men and looked for signs of damage. The participants
went through a series of sleep tests at home years prior.
The results showed that risk for mental decline was four times
higher in the group of men with the lowest oxygen levels at night.
Researchers found a higher level of microinfarcts, small
abnormalities in the brain tissue that may lead to dementia, in the
group. Moreover, the men who had the least amount of time in deep
sleep were more likely to develop brain atrophy.
Researchers said that lower levels of oxygen in the blood found in
the group of men may be due to sleep apnea or other health
conditions like emphysema.
Poor Sleep, Poor Memory

4. The Restaurant
Phone no:
(03) 53321
Address:
WZYZ Avenue, Sydney Australia
Royal District Nursing Service
Website: www.rdns.com.au/
Address: 31 Alma Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: 1300 33 44 55
Although later studies challenged the results of the research, majority of the scientists still recommend
consulting doctors about sleep apnea. As mentioned earlier, the condition may cause serious diseases if
left untreated. It is important to monitor sleep apnea symptoms and talk to the doctor for possible
treatments.
Chronic snoring is a tell-tale sign of the health condition. Since patients are sleep-deprived, they are
more likely to experience morning headaches and mood swings. They also find it difficult to concentrate.
Poor sleep may contribute to development of dementia. It is important to be watchful of the signs and
report the condition immediately to doctors to receive proper medical care.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
RESOURCES:
http://www.rdns.com.au/
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/sleep-apnea.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/28/brain-sleep-_n_5863736.html
http://www.neurology.org/content/82/10_Supplement/S48.003.short