Geriatric Sleep Research Program
Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Elderly
This study examines the frequency of follow-up between younger and elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is caused by upper airway obstruction due to the narrowing of the airway in the pharynx during sleep and is associated with an increased risk of diurnal hypertension, nocturnal dysrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, right and left ventricular failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Previous studies indicate that while sleep disorders are common, many physicians outside of the field are not adequately trained to treat them. This may be especially true of elderly patients with sleep apnea. This study aims to determine the percentages of elderly and younger subjects who receive follow-up after diagnosis with sleep apnea and to identify factors contributing to a decreased rate of follow-up among the elderly population i.e. co-morbid conditions, severity of apnea, sleep complaints, etc.
Sumedha Chhatre, biostatistician
Benita Hall, research assistant
Krishnal Jeyarajasingam, research assistant