Unraveling the bidirectional links between obstructive sleep apnea and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is seen as an intermediate stage between normal cognitive aging and dementia, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is considered a potential risk factor for MCI. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence of MCI among individuals with OSA, and to explore the bidirectional relationship between OSA and MCI.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 30, 2024. Studies that reported the prevalence of MCI and/or OSA were included. Statistical analyses, including the calculation of pooled prevalence and odds ratio (OR), were conducted using the random-effects model in R (version 4.3.1). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies with 73,733 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of co-occurring OSA and MCI was 20 % (95 % CI: 10 %-30 %, I = 98.7 %). Among individuals with OSA, the prevalence of MCI was 39 % (95 % CI: 24 %-53 %, I = 99.5 %). Similarly, among individuals with MCI, the prevalence of OSA was 39 % (95 % CI: 23 %-55 %, I = 99.0 %). The overall OR for the association between OSA and MCI was 1.65 (95 % CI: 1.39-1.96).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis highlights a high prevalence of co-occurring OSA and MCI, indicating a significant association between these conditions. The findings underscore the importance of early screening and intervention for OSA to potentially mitigate cognitive decline.