Sleep apnea and other sleep problems that interfere with breathing affect almost one in five men and one in 10 women older than 50. According to a recent examination of the brains of deceased older men, those with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea had a higher risk of brain lesions linked to dementia, report researchers from the Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System. The likely culprits: low blood-oxygen levels and less time spent in restorative, deep sleep. Speak with your doctor if you have signs of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring and gasping for breath during sleep.
Source: Neurology, Jan. 20, 2015
