A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Irvine found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can negatively impact verbal memory, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. The researchers focused on verbal memory as it is vulnerable to decline with aging and Alzheimer’s disease. The study included 81 adults with an average age of about 62, with 70% having a parental history of Alzheimer’s disease. The findings revealed that sleep apnea events occurring during REM sleep had a significant negative impact on verbal memory, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition to or family history of Alzheimer’s.
The study results suggest that sleep apnea severity during REM sleep may increase the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition to the condition. The researchers found that events occurring during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep were not as predictive of verbal memory impairment as previously thought. The findings highlight the importance of not only identifying the specific links between sleep apnea and cognitive impairment but also tailoring treatments to target these mechanisms in order to minimize the cognitive consequences of Alzheimer’s disease.
Adrian Pristas, MD, a sleep medicine specialist and pulmonologist, emphasized the importance of recognizing the consequences of untreated sleep apnea on cognitive well-being and overall health. He noted that the majority of adults with OSA are not identified and treated, presenting a significant opportunity for the medical community to improve the health outcomes of these patients. Pristas also underscored the importance of addressing all aspects of sleep health in the evaluation and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Neurologist Clifford Segil, DO, noted the significance of the study’s focus on identifying the impact of sleep apnea severity during REM sleep on verbal memory. He highlighted the need for further research to establish the underlying mechanism behind these observations, as well as the purpose of healthy REM sleep. Segil emphasized the importance of understanding the potential pathological conditions associated with unhealthy REM sleep in order to develop effective treatments for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Overall, the study sheds light on the relationship between sleep apnea severity during REM sleep and cognitive decline, specifically in individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The findings underscore the importance of considering the impact of sleep apnea on cognitive health and the necessity of tailored treatments to address these issues. As further research is conducted and shared, there is a growing opportunity to improve the health outcomes of individuals with sleep disorders and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
