A new study has found older Americans are rarely evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea yet many are at risk.
In a study of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older who were asked about sleep disturbances, 56% were estimated to be at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea, but only 8% of the high-risk individuals had been tested for it. Of those tested, 94% were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea should be suspected in overweight middle aged adults who snore loudly and which can cause interruption of breathing for 10 seconds or more and this results in reduced blood o
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‘In older Americans, increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea is common but it is seldom investigated.’
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The study published in indicate that treatment with positive airway pressure was prescribed for 82% of participants after they were diagnosed. "This study examined the national scope of obstructive sleep apnea risk in older Americans and shed light on national evaluation and treatment patterns. We were surprised to see that among those older Americans at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, very few received evaluations with overnight sleep studies," said lead author Tiffany Braley, MD, MS, of the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor.
Co-lead author Galit Dunietz, PhD, MPH (also from the University of Michigan) stated that if these data reflect national evaluation patterns, millions of older individuals who are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea could be missing an opportunity to identify a consequential and treatable health condition.
Source: Eurekalert
Source: Eurekalert
Quiz on Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Do you feel sleepy all day despite sleeping normal hours? One of the possible reasons for this sleepiness could be obstructive sleep apnea. Test your knowledge on obstructive sleep apnea by taking this quiz.
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 Epworth Sleepiness ScaleMeasure your daytime sleepiness using this simple interactive tool, based on Epworth Sleepiness disorder Scale. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a type of hypersomnia characterized by persistent sleepiness and lack of energy. | Advertisement
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