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[Sleep apnea syndrome in the elderly]
D Planchard1, F Moreau, J Paquereau
1Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Poitiers, 350, avenue Jacques Coeur, Poitiers, France.
Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|April 2, 2005
Summary
Sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) in the elderly is common and treatable. Effective treatments like CPAP improve sleepiness and cognitive function, justifying intervention based on symptom severity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
Context:
- Sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) presents unique challenges in the elderly due to age-related comorbidities.
- Prevalence of SAHS in older adults averages 25%, potentially higher with co-existing conditions.
- Clinical symptoms often manifest as excessive daytime sleepiness and cognitive decline.
Purpose:
- To review the distinct characteristics, prevalence, and clinical presentation of SAHS in the elderly population.
- To evaluate the efficacy and applicability of current SAHS treatments in older adults.
- To emphasize the importance of symptom-based therapeutic decisions for elderly SAHS patients.
Summary:
- Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective treatment for SAHS in the elderly.
- Adjustable oral appliances are viable alternatives based on SAHS severity.
- Weight reduction is recommended for obese patients; surgery is not indicated for this demographic.
Impact:
- Treatment of SAHS in the elderly leads to significant improvements in daytime sleepiness and cognitive function.
- CPAP adherence and effectiveness in the elderly are comparable to younger populations.
- Tailoring treatment decisions to the individual's symptom level is crucial for successful SAHS management in older adults.