What: An analysis of over 18,000 adults found that signs of sleep apnea are correlated with a higher chance of having dementia, especially among women. One theory is that women with sleep apnea may have a greater risk for cardiovascular disease and insomnia, both of which can hurt cognitive functioning.
Key line: “’Estrogen starts to decline as women transition to menopause, which can impact their brains,’ said co-author Galit Levi Dunietz, Ph.D., M.P.H., an associate professor in the University of Michigan Department of Neurology and Division of Sleep Medicine. ‘During that time, they are more prone to memory, sleep and mood changes that may lead to cognitive decline. Sleep apnea increases significantly post-menopause yet remains underdiagnosed. We need more epidemiologic studies to better understand how sleep disorders in women impact their cognitive health.’”
Source: Michigan Medicine // https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1063224