0738 Sarcopenia, Frailty, and Cognitive Dysfunction in Adults with Untreated Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep apnea is a common disorder that increases with age, in frequency and severity. Poor sleep causes imbalance, autonomic dysfunction and problems with concentration and memory and thereby contributes to falls and decline in functional and cognitive decline. The purpose of this study is to investigate prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, sarcopenia, and frailty in a population with sleep apnea. Method(s): Validated questionnaires known as FRAIL, SARC-F, and RCS, as well as measurement of grip strength were used to assess frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive function in subjects over 40 y with untreated obstructive sleep apnea. Medication, blood pressure, HbA1c, and sleep-related comorbidities were also recorded. Result(s): Results were analyzed for the first 113 subjects (56% female) of median age 55 y. 48% were pre-frail, 28% frail; 23% had sarcopenia, and 40% had cognitive impairment. Mean grip strength for men was 382 N (SD 112 N) and for women was 222 N (SD of 80 N). Of 41 subjects aged 40 to 49 years, 22% were frail, 17% had sarcopenia, and 37% had cognitive impairment. Mean grip strength for men was 444N (SD 92N) and for women was 225N (SD 75N). Of 37 subjects aged 50 to 59 years, 32% were frail; 24% had sarcopenia, and 35% had cognitive impairment. Mean grip strength for men was 352N (SD 120N) and for women was 242N (SD of 84N). 32% of participants were prescribed SSRIs or SNRIs, 5% were prescribed anti-psychotics, 15% were prescribed GABA-modulators, 19% were prescribed opioids or narcotics, 9% were prescribed sex steroid hormones, 4% prescribed trazodone. Conclusion(s): Patients with untreated sleep apnea between ages 40 and 59y demonstrate a high prevalence of frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment. Association with a high rate of utilization of psychiatric and opioid medication use is noted.