New study links OSA with mental health decline 

YARMOUTH, Maine - Middle-aged and older adults at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had consistently worse mental health outcomes, according to a national longitudinal cohort study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Key points from the study: 

• Question: Is high risk of OSA associated with increased odds of concurrent and future mental health conditions among middle-aged and older adults? 
• Findings: In this national cohort study of 30 ,097 individuals, those at high risk of OSA had approximately 40% higher odds of mental health conditions at both baseline and follow-up. Over time, high risk of OSA remained associated with a 44% increased odds of reporting new mental health conditions. 
• Meaning: These findings bridge knowledge gaps on the association between OSA and mental health during aging, highlighting the need for integrated screening and intervention strategies. 

“These findings highlight the importance of systematic mental health screening for older adults at risk for OSA,” researchers stated. “Incorporating mental health assessment tools into sleep evaluation may help identify individuals at greatest risk and support early intervention. Educating older adults about the potential associations of untreated OSA with mood, cognition, and long-term brain health could also improve engagement in diagnostic testing and treatment adherence. As OSA has been associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, future studies should explore whether integrating screening and prevention strategies enhances both mental and cognitive health outcomes.” 

• Related: Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine have found evidence that untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) accelerates cardiovascular aging and significantly increases the risk of premature death.