Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer's Disease Pathology: Is Sleep Architecture the Missing Key?
Joshua L Gills1,2, Omonigho M Bubu1,2,3,4
1Department of Psychiatry, Healthy Brain Aging Sleep Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Impairments of the sleep architecture due to disrupted sleep in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may result in reduced slow wave sleep (SWS), intermittent hypoxemia, and excessive day time sleepiness- all factors that have been shown to impact Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. In this commentary, we comment on the work by Cavuoto and colleagues in which they examine the associations between nocturnal hypoxemia or sleep disruptions (during SWS) and amyloid-β burden in individuals with OSA. We review the findings in the context of other similar studies and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these published studies. We note the importance of examining these relationships longitudinally with a large sample size, including considering sleep health disparities, vascular components, and multiple cognitive domain tests.
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...


