Zhu X, et al. - The sequential association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and cognitive decline was analyzed in a meta-analysis of cohort studies. Findings indicated that SDB may confer risk for cognitive decline development, in an independent fashion and, gender difference may exist regarding this association.

Methods

• PubMed and Embase databases were searched for cohort studies.
• A random effect model was applied to combine the results.

Results

• This analysis included 6 cohort studies including 19 940 participants.
• A combined outcome of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia (RR = 1.69, p < 0.001; I² = 60%) indicated significantly higher risk of cognitive decline in participants with SDB at baseline.
• Data reported that link between SDB and the subsequent risk of cognitive decline remained in older people (RR = 1.70, p < 0.001; I² = 66%).
• Consistent results were indicated by the findings of subgroup analyses, regardless of whether SDB was confirmed by PSG or whether the apolipoprotein E4 allele was adjusted.
• However, researchers found that participants with SDB at baseline were with higher risk for developing MCI (RR = 2.44, p < 0.001) than dementia (RR = 1.61, p < 0.001; p for subgroup difference = 0.04).
• Moreover, data reported that SDB was associated with a significantly higher risk of cognitive decline in female participants (RR = 2.06, p < 0.001), but not in the males (RR = 1.18, p = 0.19; p for subgroup difference = 0.03).