C-pap and dementia

My wife has used the cpap machine for many years with good success. However, in 2019 I noticed her memory was beginning to decline, particularly after what was described as a TIA or "mini" stroke. After lengthy discussions with 2-3 neurologists and a brain scan, dementia was the diagnosis. Fast forward to today and her memory is nearly non-existent. She goes to sleep with the cpap on but usually within 1-2 hrs. she takes it off, say to the bathroom, and forgets to put the mask back on. She suffers 100% A-fib and has much difficulty sleeping. She has been off and on all kinds of over the counter and prescribed "sleeping pills" with little success. My question, finally, is there an answer to this dilemma or is the Inspire an alternate solution. The cpap people have no answer!!

Steve-0 wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 11, 2025 10:09 am

My question, finally, is there an answer to this dilemma or is the Inspire an alternate solution.

You would have to contact an Inspire provider to see whether she qualifies.

Prequalification: https://www.inspiresleep.com/en-us/

Has anyone checked the EFFICACY of her CPAP treatment lately. Waking up in a few hours to toilet suggests its settings may not be optimal. Perhaps if that is addressed, she won't need to wake up and forget to put it back on.

CPAP therapy is only effective if it's used! If somebody doesn't bother (or doesn't remember) to put it back on, it's not going to work.

If this patient can get an Inspire implant, at least "forgetfulness" won't be a barrier to therapy.

The downside is that you might be prolonging the life of an advanced dementia patient!