Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cognitive decline, but short-term studies show limited cognitive benefits of its treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We examined whether longer follow-up exhibits greater cognitive differences associated with CPAP use.
METHODS
We analyzed 777 participants from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) with linked Medicare claims, with one or more claims for OSA and no baseline cognitive impairment. CPAP treatment was defined by one or more CPAP claims. Cognitive trajectories from 2011 to 2021 were estimated using a factor score derived from annual cognitive performance assessments and compared by CPAP treatment status using adjusted generalized linear mixed models.
RESULTS
Cognitive performance declined over follow-up. CPAP-treated participants declined by −0.03 standard deviation (SD) units per year (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.04, −0.02). Untreated participants experienced a 69% faster decline (CPAP-by-time interaction: −0.02; 95% CI: −0.04, −0.001).
DISCUSSION
CPAP therapy may slow cognitive decline in older adults with OSA.
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This post is Copyright: | July 14, 2026
Neuro-Dementia