Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disproportionately Affects Older Adults, Exacerbating Neurocognitive and Affective Disorders

Strategic Insights -

New research from the University of Alberta sheds light on the complex relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and comorbid neurocognitive and affective disorders in older adults. According to the study, OSA is a significant risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline and affective disturbances in the aging population, with pervasive under- or misdiagnosis of OSA and its comorbidities further exacerbating the issue. The research highlights the need for improved diagnostic tools and increased awareness among healthcare practitioners to address this critical public health concern.

Key Takeaways:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by disruptions in oxygen flow resulting in nocturnal choking, loud snoring, and poor sleep, impacting older adults at a disproportionate rate.
  • OSA is highly comorbid with neurocognitive and affective disorders, with untreated OSA being a significant risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline and affective disturbances in the aging population.
  • Under- and misdiagnosis of OSA and its comorbidities in primary care settings is due to gaps in construct validity of existing measures, inconsistent terminology, and operationalization of neurocognitive and affective disorders, and lack of resources.
  • The research emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic tools and increased awareness among healthcare practitioners to address the critical public health concern of OSA and its comorbidities.
  • The study's findings have implications for researchers and healthcare practitioners, highlighting the importance of addressing the complex interplay between OSA and comorbid neurocognitive and affective disorders in older adults.

Statistics:

  • 844 - The number of pages in the report (Respiratory Therapeutics Week, 2025).
  • 1-20 - The page range of the journal article "Understanding the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and comorbid neurocognitive and affective disorders in older adults" in Discover Psychology, 2025, 5(1).
  • 10.1007/s44202-025-00428-2 - The digital object identifier for the journal article.
  • 2025 - The year in which the research was conducted and the report was published.

Sources:

  • Discover Psychology. (2025). Understanding the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and comorbid neurocognitive and affective disorders in older adults. 5(1), 1-20. doi: 10.1007/s44202-025-00428-2
  • Respiratory Therapeutics Week. (2025, October 20). Research from University of Alberta Yields New Study Findings on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Understanding the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and comorbid neurocognitive and affective disorders in older adults). p 844.