Sleep Apnea as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Implications for Clinical Practice and Public Health

Abstract Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a prevalent sleep-disordered breathing condition, is increasingly recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to chronic intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, and associated physiological disturbances. This paper reviews the epidemiological evidence linking OSA to cognitive impairment, explores the potential mechanisms underlying this association, and discusses the implications for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse cognitive outcomes associated with OSA. Focus is placed on the critical need for proactive screening and management of OSA, particularly in at-risk populations, to preserve cognitive health and reduce the burden of dementia.