SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnoea is a common condition in the elderly population with potentially significant consequences, including comorbidity and cognitive decline. There is now a wealth of information indicating that untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular event, a higher propensity of sudden death during sleep and a greater risk for stroke and all-cause mortality. The mechanisms by which sleep apnea increases medical morbidity are complex and remain a focus of intense basic and human research. There is emerging interest in personalized approaches to the diagnosis and management of sleep apnea. furthermore, research is underway to identify biomarkers and genetic factor that might predict adverse outcomes associated with sleep apnea. Nevertheless, as we oral health expertise can recognize many telltate signs of sleep apnea by thorough examination of oral and maxillofacial region which could help in early detection, diagnosis and in collaboration with sleep medicine professionals, we as a team can help in articulating the treatment protocol of the disease and curing the same.