Is it Altzeimers or Sleep Apnea?

After suspecting for years that I had less energy than most people, have been very mentally unfocused, forgetting things, losing things, unable to concentrate, starting one project, not finishing it, then moving to another room and starting another one and forgeting about the first until I come across it. People telling me "I already told you that 4 times, weren't you listening", as I would repeat the same question several times. I knew from what friends and relatives told me that I snore very loudly within seconds of falling asleep and they are concerned when it stops suddenly and wonder if it will start up again. Being asked to leave the room if I happen to fall asleep on the couch. One friend while on a trip with me couldn't stand it and went to sleep on the bathroom floor of the hotel room. Earlier this year I have the opportunity to go on a trip when it was brought up that I would have to do something about the snoring. It was suggested I see the ear, nose and throat specialist who said I had a large tongue that was blocking the airway when I slept. He sent me to the sleep clinic and it was discovered I have sleep apnea and require a CPAP. I have to go back next month to the sleep clinic for the CPAP sleep test and then get a machine. I am 100 lbs overweight, high blood pressure but am working hard now at losing the weight but am told this alone won't solve the problem. I guess I would like to know if these symptoms sound familiar. I was thinking originally of just doing something about the snoring while I was overnight visiting or on a trip but now I am rethinking that. Thanks for listening CareS

Hi,

Did your doctor explain the results of the sleep test? After the second part, be sure the doctor gives you a copy of the test report. The doctor may go over it with you anyway, but ask for a copy. Sometimes the explanations don't make sense at the doctor's office because you either don't know enough to ask all the questions you need or it all seems so overwhelming that you forget what was said. It's your right to have that sleep test report. And if you still have questions about the numbers mentioned in the report, be sure to return to this forum and ask questions. There are a lot of knowledgable people here. Be sure to post your questions in the first section where most questions are asked.

Yes, excessive weight, high blood pressure, snoring, exhaustion and alot of other problems are symptoms of sleep apnea. It seems all people who have sleep apnea snore (but not all snorers have sleep apnea). But if your doctor says you have it, ask for that report.

I don't know if the forgetfulness is sleep apnea or something else. But if you are suffering with excessive exhaustion and you have sleep apnea, then you deserve relief from the treatment. If you still have the forgetfulness, be sure to tell your doctor, or another doctor if you aren't listened to. Welcome to this forum. Please keep in touch.

Linda