Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Geriatric Populations

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Geriatric Populations:

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing has greatly increased in the geriatric population.

Recent Findings

The pathophysiology of sleep-disordered breathing for this population varies from younger populations due to consequences of aging such as loss of neuromuscular tone, soft tissue hypertrophy, and tissue laxity. The importance of treating obstructive sleep apnea is obvious as it is linked to detrimental cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks with additional effects on quality of life.

Summary

Treatment of older patients is best met by evaluating their goals of treatment and meeting it with options that are minimally invasive, cost-effective, and with low pain and morbidity. Non-surgical options such as continuous positive airway pressure and oral appliances are beneficial to those who can tolerate them, but for those that cannot, various surgical options including nasal surgery, palatal stiffening procedures, hyoid suspension, radiofrequency ablation, and upper airway stimulation can provide improvement in their disease and meet their expectations for treatment.