Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, may increase the risk of dementia—and new research suggests this link could be stronger in women. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing and treating sleep disorders to protect long-term brain health.

How Sleep Apnea Impacts Dementia Risk

Obstructive sleep apnea lowers oxygen levels during sleep, placing strain on the body and potentially the brain. A recent large-scale study followed more than 18,000 older adults for a decade and found that those with diagnosed or suspected sleep apnea were more likely to develop dementia.

By age 80, women with sleep apnea had nearly a 5% higher incidence of dementia, while men had about a 2.5% higher incidence. This suggests that sleep apnea may contribute to long-term cognitive decline, particularly in women.

Why Women May Be More Vulnerable

Experts note that women are already at greater risk of dementia due to factors such as longevity, health behaviors, and social determinants of health. Hormonal changes during menopause, including the decline in estrogen, may further elevate dementia risk when combined with sleep problems.

Another concern is that women are more likely to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed with sleep apnea, which can delay treatment and worsen outcomes.

The Link Between Sleep And Brain Health

Interrupted or poor-quality sleep is strongly connected to cognitive issues. Inadequate sleep contributes to the accumulation of harmful proteins in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Sleep apnea may also affect immune system function, making it harder to clear toxic substances from the brain. Over time, this combination of oxygen deprivation and sleep fragmentation may create conditions that damage memory and thinking.

Why Sleep Apnea Is Underdiagnosed

Although an estimated 30 million Americans may have sleep apnea, only about 6 million have been formally diagnosed. Symptoms like snoring, fatigue, or morning headaches often develop gradually and may be dismissed or misattributed.

Additionally, undergoing a sleep study—the standard diagnostic tool—is not accessible for everyone, leaving many people undiagnosed and untreated.

What People With Symptoms Should Know

Recognizing and treating sleep apnea is crucial for overall health. Common symptoms include:

• Snoring

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Fatigue and poor concentration

• Morning headaches

• Waking up frequently at night

While there is no direct proof that sleep apnea causes dementia, it clearly affects brain and body health. Early recognition and treatment can reduce risks and improve quality of life.

Protecting Brain Health

Addressing modifiable risk factors for sleep apnea—such as obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use—can lower your chances of developing complications. If you’ve already been diagnosed, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and communicate with your healthcare provider if they persist.

Experts stress that early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea may not only improve sleep quality but also help safeguard long-term cognitive health.

A Quick Review

Obstructive sleep apnea is common, often undiagnosed, and now linked to a higher risk of dementia. Women may be especially vulnerable due to hormonal and diagnostic differences. While more research is needed, recognizing symptoms and getting proper treatment can play an essential role in protecting brain health over time.