Sleep Apnea Is a Risk Factor for Stroke and Vascular Dementia

Abstract

Purpose of review: In this article, we review the cerebrovascular complications of sleep apnea (SA). SA is the major sleep disorder associated with stroke and vascular dementia.

Recent findings: Sleep apnea syndrome of moderate to severe intensity affects 17% of 50-70-year-old men and 9% of 50-70-year-old women, making SA a notorious and prevalent disorder. SA increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation (AF) and is closely linked to vascular dementia. In addition, SA may worsen the neurologic outcome in acute stroke patients and interferes with rehabilitation after stroke. Proper management of SA may decrease the clinical impact of stroke risk factors, improve neurologic outcome after stroke, and lessen the progression of subcortical ischemic vascular disease. In this article, we will cover the most salient pathologies that associate SA and cerebrovascular pathology.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; CPAP; Hypertension; Sleep apnea; Stroke; Vascular dementia; White matter hyperintensities.