Sleep Apnoea and Memory (SAM): protocol for a prospective study of prevalence and symptoms of sleep apnoea in memory clinics.

INTRODUCTION

Sleep apnoea is common in older adults and a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia but is rarely assessed in memory clinics. The Sleep Apnoea and Memory (SAM) study will assess the prevalence of sleep apnoea and identify optimal screening for sleep apnoea in memory clinics.

METHODS

SAM is a prospective observational multi-site study recruiting adults attending NHS memory clinics. Participants will undergo a single night of polygraphy using a home sleep apnoea test (WatchPAT® 300) and complete questionnaires based on NICE guidance for sleep apnoea assessment. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of sleep apnoea. Secondary outcomes include determining sleep apnoea prevalence across different cognitive diagnoses, identifying which symptoms and risk factors which best predict sleep apnoea, and assessing feasibility of remote sleep apnoea screening.

DISCUSSION: The SAM study will improve understanding of the extent of sleep apnoea in people attending memory clinics and inform design of an interventional trial for treating sleep apnoea in patients with cognitive impairment. Treating sleep apnoea in memory clinics may help to improve symptoms and/or prognosis for people experiencing memory problems.