Nocturnal sleep apnea/hypopnea is associated with lower memory performance in APOE epsilon4 carriers

Neurology. 2005 Aug 23;65(4):642-4. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000173055.75950.bf.

Abstract

The authors investigated the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea (OSAH) and cognition in 36 older adults, 18 APOE epsilon4 carriers, and 18 non-carriers. Greater numbers of respiratory events negatively impacted memory function in epsilon4 carriers only. This is the first study to provide preliminary evidence for a negative interaction of APOE epsilon4 and OSAH on memory in older adults, which may have important implications for treating cognitive decline and delaying dementia onset.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Cognition Disorders / genetics
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genetic Testing
  • Genetic Variation / genetics
  • Heterozygote*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / genetics*
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology
  • Memory Disorders / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Oxidative Stress / genetics
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / complications*
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / genetics*
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Sleep Stages / genetics

Substances

  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Apolipoproteins E