Sleep disorders increase the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline: a meta-analysis
Abstract
Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, are increasingly implicated as significant contributors to cognitive decline, dementia, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). However, the extent and specificity of these associations remain uncertain. This meta-analysis evaluates the impact of common sleep disorders on the risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted to identify prospective cohort studies assessing sleep disorders and dementia risk. Studies reporting risk estimates for dementia, AD, or cognitive decline associated with obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep disorders (e.g., restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, excessive daytime sleepiness) were included. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Thirty-nine cohort studies were included, with subgroup analyses showing significant associations between all-cause dementia and obstructive sleep apnea (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.09–1.61), insomnia (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.19–1.55), and other sleep disorders (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.24–1.43). Obstructive sleep apnea increased the risk for AD (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.24–1.69), though its association with vascular dementia did not reach statistical significance (HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.99–1.84). Insomnia was…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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