According to Neurology Advisor, stroke and sleep apnea are linked to lower verbal memory and function scores than sleep apnea or stroke alone.

Although it’s well established that stroke can cause cognitive problems, sleep apnea may also cause problems with attention, executive functioning, and daytime sleepiness, prompting Molano and colleagues to question if a combination of both conditions would result in worse cognitive function.

“Sleep apnea is treatable, so if there’s something we can do to prevent cognitive decline, then that would be something that would be very intriguing,” she told Neurology Advisor. “Stroke and sleep apnea have common risk factors and comorbidities that include high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and diabetes. All of those risk factors can cause inflammation and cause potential issues with cognition down the road.”

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