from 9–38%. However, sleep apnea is typically more common among males, older people, and individuals with obesity.Sleep apnea has links to poor attention, memory, and executive skills, and is a recognized risk factor for the development of dementia.“We know that if you have sleep apnea in mid-life, you’re more likely to develop Alzheimer’s when you’re older and if you have Alzheimer’s, you are more likely to have sleep apnea than other people your age,” says Prof.