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Sleep Apnea Is a Risk Factor for Stroke and Vascular Dementia
Antonio Culebras1,2, Sanam Anwar3
1Department of Neurology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA. culebraa@upstate.edu.
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|June 26, 2018
Summary
Sleep apnea (SA) is a common sleep disorder linked to stroke and vascular dementia. Managing SA can reduce stroke risks and improve recovery outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Sleep apnea (SA) is a prevalent disorder, affecting 17% of men and 9% of women aged 50-70.
- SA is strongly associated with increased risks of hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation.
- The disorder is also closely linked to the development of vascular dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cerebrovascular complications associated with sleep apnea.
- To highlight the significant link between SA and stroke, as well as vascular dementia.
- To discuss the impact of SA on acute stroke outcomes and rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on sleep apnea and cerebrovascular diseases.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on SA prevalence and associated conditions.
- Synthesis of current understanding of the pathophysiological links between SA and cerebrovascular pathology.
Main Results:
- SA significantly elevates the risk of stroke and contributes to vascular dementia.
- SA can negatively impact neurological outcomes in patients who have experienced a stroke.
- Effective management of SA shows potential to mitigate stroke risk factors and improve post-stroke recovery.
Conclusions:
- Sleep apnea is a critical factor in cerebrovascular pathology.
- Addressing SA is essential for reducing stroke incidence and severity.
- Intervention for SA can improve neurological outcomes and slow the progression of vascular brain changes.
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