Snoring can increase the chances of getting dementia in later life, new study reveals
Risk is increased in people who have a gene making them susceptible to Alzheimer’s
SNORING puts people at greater risk of dementia, a study suggests.
Experts say breathing disorders which disrupt sleep can result in memory loss and a reduced attention span.
The risk is greater in the fifth of people who have a gene making them susceptible to Alzheimer’s.
US researchers found a link between sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive decline — a loss of memory and thinking skills. The disorder is common in the elderly, particularly among obese and less active men.
It is characterised by pauses, known as apnoeas or hypopnoeas, in breathing during sleep.
This results in loud snoring, laboured breathing or repeated short periods where breathing is interrupted by gasping or snorting.
The Harvard University team studied the sleep patterns of 1,752 people with an average age of 68. Dr Dayna Johnson said: “Individuals report problems with cognition and may be at increased risk for dementia.”
Professor of Sleep Medicine Dr Susan Redline said: “Given the lack of effective treatment for Alzheimer’s, our results support the potential for sleep-disordered breathing screening and treatment to reduce dementia risk.”
