Review Advance Articles
Sleep deprivation in dementia comorbidities: focus on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety/depression and thyroid disorders
Figure 5. How sleep apnea leads to increased risk of dementia. Sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of dementia due to its impact on oxygen levels during sleep and the subsequent stress it places on the brain. Repeated interruptions in breathing can lead to fragmented sleep and hypoxia, which may contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration over time. Additionally, the exacerbation of inflammation linked to sleep apnea further heightens the risk of developing dementia-related conditions.