Key Takeaways

• OSA increases Alzheimer's risk by 45% and dementia risk by 33%

• 68% of people with sleep disorders have higher cognitive impairment risk

• 54 million US adults have OSA (only 20% diagnosed)

• OSA is treatable. Successful treatment may prevent cognitive decline

• Inspire therapy works for CPAP-intolerant patients

• Real patients (Larry F, Karen W) showed memory improvement after treatment

Dementia causes a decline in memory, thinking skills and the ability to manage daily activities. This can reduce a person’s independence.

A 2019 study estimated that about 54 million in the United States have OSA.¹ Only 20% are diagnosed.²

Those numbers project to rise 35% (76.6 million) by 2050 with a sharper increase for women.³

Over 55 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia, according to the World Health Organization. There are about 10 million new cases annually.⁴

About 8.5 million people suffer from vascular dementia, caused by decreased blood flow to areas of your brain.⁵

There are also about 9.1 million cases of mixed dementia, combining vascular and degenerative types.⁵

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of degenerative dementia. It affects about 9.8 million people globally.⁶

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have OSA, it is important to talk to your provider to see if you need a sleep study.

If you are already diagnosed with OSA and do not benefit from a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, you can take this short quiz to see if you may qualify for Inspire® therapy.

What’s the importance of treating OSA?

Research shows a strong connection between sleep disorders, including OSA, and dementia risk.

68% of individuals with sleep disorders have a higher risk of combined cognitive impairment and/or Alzheimer’s disease compared to those without sleep problems.

A 2025 meta-analysis of eight cohort studies found that people with OSA had a 33% higher risk of developing dementia.⁷ Seven studies found a significant link between OSA and Alzheimer’s disease, with a 45% higher risk, as well.⁷

Another meta-analysis linked excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) to higher risks of vascular dementia, all-cause dementia and cognitive decline. EDS is a common symptom of OSA.⁴

Poor sleep quality is also associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.⁴

These findings suggest that sleep disorders are not just a result of brain degeneration. They may also play a role in triggering dementia and speeding its progression.

Does Treating Sleep Apnea Help Cognitive Health?

Meet Larry F has mild dementia. He also struggled with night terrors for several years.

Those days and nights were tough on his wife Cathie. She just didn’t know how to help.

Larry slept 18 hours a day and only woke up to eat. He also injured himself while fighting in his sleep sometimes.

He later received an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis after an overnight stay in a hospital. His oxygen levels fell to the mid-to-low 70s which concerned his doctors.

He could not benefit from his CPAP machine, however.

The night terrors continued as a result. And his poor memory stayed the same.

Cathie later learned about Inspire® therapy from Larry’s doctor. Larry qualified and received the Inspire^® implant in June 2024.

Cathie said it is “transformational.” Larry still has dementia symptoms, but he is sleeping normal again.
He remembers friends at church and recalls time spent with his family.

He also does things he has not done in years. This includes fishing, going to his grandchildren’s sporting events and even alligator hunting.

Best of all, he does not have night terrors anymore. This helps Cathie sleep better knowing he will not harm himself.

“I have been really surprised at the little things he can remember that he wouldn't have remembered prior to this,” Cathie said. “I know that getting a good night's sleep has been instrumental in the clarity that we're seeing.”

Karen W also struggled with brain fog and memory issues due to her untreated OSA.

It became so bad that her provider said she could develop dementia in less than five years without improved sleep.

She tried to use CPAP and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machines. She could not tolerate either.

Karen still went to bed tired and felt worse in the morning. She also struggled to function at home and at work.

She even took medication just to stay awake during the day.

Depression worsened with the possibility of dementia. But it also motivated her to find a solution.

She certainly did not want to miss her daughter’s major life events.

This is when Karen learned about Inspire therapy.

She later qualified and received the Inspire implant in August 2018. And she noticed her sleep improved just a few weeks after starting the therapy.

Today, Karen does not need medication to stay awake. And she is no longer in cognitive decline.

She even attended her daughter’s wedding and gave a speech over five years after her provider warned her about dementia.

“I’m learning new things, and the big win is instead of continuing to decline, I’ve gone the other way,” she said.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does treating sleep apnea prevent Alzheimer's disease?
Treating sleep apnea may reduce risk, may improve cognitive health, and may improve memory in early decline.

Can sleep apnea cause dementia?
OSA is a significant risk factor (33% increase), but not the only cause. Treatment may help slow progression.

What if I can't tolerate CPAP or BiPAP?
Inspire therapy is an effective alternative with proven results. View success stories.