AJMC December 26, 2025
Giuliana Grossi Fact checked by: Laura Joszt, MA

Key Takeaways

  • High risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to a 40% increase in poor mental health outcomes, including depression and psychological distress, in older adults.
  • The study involved over 30,000 participants, with a median follow-up of 2.9 years, highlighting the longitudinal impact of OSA on mental health.
  • OSA is identified as a modifiable risk factor, suggesting the potential for targeted screening and intervention programs to improve mental health in aging populations.
  • Secondary analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, showing consistent associations between OSA risk and mental health deterioration over time.

Obstructive sleep apnea significantly worsens mental health in older adults, increasing risks of depression and psychological distress over time.

Middle-aged and older adults at...

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Topics: Mental Health, Patient / Consumer, Provider
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