Results of Polysomnographies and Treatment Strategies in Elderly Patients with Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated data regarding the management of geriatric patients with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (age, >65 years) who were admitted to our sleep clinic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Symptoms and sleep data of the patients were retrospectively evaluated, and the patients were reevaluated after treatment.

RESULTS: A total of 85 patients with a median age of 69 years were included. Snoring and fatigue were the most common symptoms. Cardiovascular diseases were the most frequently listed comorbidity. The median Epworth sleepiness scale was 10, and based on Berlin sleep questionnaire findings, 63.5% of the participants were in the high-risk group. Eighty-seven percent were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (2/3 of them were positional), and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea was observed more in women than in men. Only one patient was diagnosed with central sleep apnea. There were positive and linear correlations between increased age and the apnea-hypopnea index, arousal index, Epworth sleepiness scale, and being in a high-risk group according to the Berlin sleep scale; however, there was no correlation between increased age and the number of hypopnea and apnea events. There were also positive and linear correlations between the apnea-hypopnea index and the Epworth sleepiness scale, being in a high-risk group according to the Berlin sleep questionnaire, an increased number of known medical conditions, and increased body mass index. We were able to contact 72 of the 85 patients via phone calls. Patients who adjusted to treatment had positive feedbacks.

CONCLUSION: Sleep disorders are observed more in the elderly, and an increasing age is an independent factor for sleep disorders. Besides the usual signs and symptoms of sleep disorders, it should be considered in elderly who have cognitive dysfunction and dementia.