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Apnea in Elderly

  • Sleep and Sleep Apnea at the Extremes (D Gozal, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in older adults. However, there is controversy regarding the diagnosis, consequences, and treatment of OSA in this patient population. This review presents the current evidence pertaining to the pathogenesis, diagnosis, complications, and management of OSA in older adults.

Recent Findings

OSA is prevalent and underdiagnosed in the elderly. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that moderate to severe OSA in older adults is linked to neurocognitive decline and chronic vascular disease, including increased risk of incident heart failure and ischemic stroke. Positive airway pressure therapy remains the mainstay of treatment.

Summary

Systematic investigations are needed to validate screening tools and diagnostic methods for OSA in elderly and to delineate the subpopulation of elderly in whom therapy is warranted. Targeted approach to diagnosis and treatment needs to be undertaken to avoid the deleterious consequences of sleep apnea in this vulnerable population.

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  1. John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, 4646 John R (11M), Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Salam Zeineddine & Susmita Chowdhuri

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Zeineddine, S., Chowdhuri, S. Apnea in Elderly. Curr Sleep Medicine Rep 5, 13–22 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40675-019-0134-y

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