Researchers in a new study examined whether using CPAP treatment had an effect on slowing cognitive decline. Their study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Researchers enrolled 68 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, defined as having problems with memory and decision-making abilities; people with MCI experience few if any problems with performing their daily activities) aged 55 to 89, who were patients at sleep and geriatric clinics from September 2012 through December 2014. Some of the participants used CPAP machines while others did not.

Researchers reported that participants who had MCI and who used the CPAP machine experienced cognitive improvement. The participants also experienced significantly less daytime sleepiness and improved attention levels.

What’s more, say the researchers, the group who had MCI but didn’t use the CPAP machine experienced significant cognitive decline.