Sleep-disordered breathing and frailty in the Cardiovascular Health Study Cohort

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sleep Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is increasingly recognized for its potential to impact physiological systems.
• Frailty is a significant geriatric syndrome associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality and morbidity.
• The relationship between SDB and frailty components requires further investigation, particularly in diverse aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and components of frailty.
• To explore these relationships within the context of the Cardiovascular Health Study cohort.
• To identify potential risk factors for frailty development and progression.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 1,042 participants (1995-1996) of the Cardiovascular Health Study.
• Diagnosed SDB using overnight polysomnography; severe SDB defined as an apnea-hypopnea index >30/hour.
• Assessed frailty indicators: slow walking speed, low grip strength, exhaustion, low physical activity, and unexplained weight loss.

Main Results:

• Severe SDB was independently associated with one or more frailty indicators (aOR=4.85).
• Among female participants, severe SDB showed independent associations with slow walking speed (aOR=2.67) and low grip strength (aOR=3.29).
• No significant associations were reported for male participants in this analysis.

Conclusions:

• An independent association exists between severe SDB and frailty indicators, particularly in older women.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering SDB in the assessment and management of frailty in older women.
• Interventions targeting SDB may play a role in preventing or delaying frailty progression in this population.