Article

Sleep apnea is prevalent among patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and
initial studies suggest it is associated with cognitive impairments in these
patients. Recent studies found that the apolipoprotein epsilon 4 (APOE epsilon 4)
allele increases the risk for sleep disordered breathing, particularly sleep
apnea. The APOE epsilon 4 allele is associated with cognitive decline and the
development of dementia in the general population as well as in patients with
TBI. These findings raise the question of whether patients with TBI who are APOE
epsilon 4 allele carriers are more vulnerable to the negative effects of sleep
apnea on their cognitive functioning. While few treatments are available for
cognitive impairment, highly effective treatments are available for sleep apnea.
Here we review these different lines of evidence, making a case that the
interactive effects of sleep apnea and the APOE epsilon 4 allele represent an
important mechanism by which patients with TBI may develop a range of cognitive
and neurobehavioral impairments. Increased understanding of the relationships
among sleep apnea, the APOE epsilon 4 allele, and cognition could improve our
ability to ameliorate one significant source of cognitive impairment and risk for
dementia associated with TBI.

Langue : ANGLAIS