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Walking the fine line between OSA and aging
Caterina Antonaglia1, Antonio Fabozzi2, Alessia Steffanina2
1Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy. caterina.antonaglia@asugi.sanita.fvg.it.
Sleep & Breathing = Schlaf & Atmung
|May 23, 2025
Summary
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in elderly patients presents unique diagnostic and treatment challenges due to overlapping symptoms with aging. Individualized care is crucial, considering the disease
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder.
- Aging shares symptoms and comorbidities with OSA, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
- Individualized treatment approaches are increasingly recognized as necessary for OSA management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on Obstructive Sleep Apnea in elderly patients.
- To explore the specific challenges in diagnosing and treating OSA in older adults.
- To examine the interplay between aging, OSA pathophysiology, symptoms, and comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent evidence on OSA in the elderly population.
- Analysis of shared symptoms and comorbidities between aging and OSA.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges specific to elderly OSA patients.
Main Results:
- Elderly OSA patients often exhibit masked symptoms, posing diagnostic difficulties.
- Treatment efficacy and adherence can be compromised in older adults with OSA.
- Distinguishing between aging-related conditions and OSA is often challenging due to overlapping clinical features.
Conclusions:
- OSA in the elderly requires tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding the unique pathophysiology and clinical presentation in older adults is essential.
- Further research is needed to optimize OSA management in the aging population.
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