Fig. 1.

Mechanisms linking OSA and dementia. Schematic representation of the possible mechanisms linking OSA to dementia. OSA leads to intermittent hypoxia and changes in sleep macro- and microarchitecture. Intermittent hypoxemia may cause, oxidative stress, inflammation, hypertension, blood–brain barrier dysfunctions, and metabolic disturbances such as diabetes; all potentially contributing to the development of AD. Furthermore, intrathoracic pressure swings may disrupt CSF-ISF exchange integrity and lead to AD neuropathology accumulation.

Adapted from Bubu et al. [101] (license number 5630961337227)