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Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 8/2018

01-08-2018 | Sleep (M Thorpy and M Billiard, Section Editors)

Sleep Apnea Is a Risk Factor for Stroke and Vascular Dementia

Authors: Antonio Culebras, Sanam Anwar

Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports | Issue 8/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this article, we review the cerebrovascular complications of sleep apnea (SA). SA is the major sleep disorder associated with stroke and vascular dementia.

Recent Findings

Sleep apnea syndrome of moderate to severe intensity affects 17% of 50–70-year-old men and 9% of 50–70-year-old women, making SA a notorious and prevalent disorder. SA increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation (AF) and is closely linked to vascular dementia. In addition, SA may worsen the neurologic outcome in acute stroke patients and interferes with rehabilitation after stroke.

Summary

Proper management of SA may decrease the clinical impact of stroke risk factors, improve neurologic outcome after stroke, and lessen the progression of subcortical ischemic vascular disease. In this article, we will cover the most salient pathologies that associate SA and cerebrovascular pathology.
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Metadata
Title
Sleep Apnea Is a Risk Factor for Stroke and Vascular Dementia
Authors
Antonio Culebras
Sanam Anwar
Publication date
01-08-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports / Issue 8/2018
Print ISSN: 1528-4042
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6293
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-018-0855-1

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