Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Idiopathic Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus: Recent Pathophysiological Advances.

Purpose Of Review: Idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is characterized clinically by ventriculomegaly, abnormal gait, falls, incontinence, and cognitive decline. This article reviews recent advances in the pathophysiology of iNPH concerning sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and glymphatic circulation during deep sleep.

Recent Findings: The authors found iNPH frequently associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus and obstructive sleep apnea are frequently associated: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is defined by ventriculomegaly, cognitive decline, urinary incontinence and gait problems. Vascular risk factors (VRF) are associated with iNPH but obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) -a well-known independent VRF- is seldom mentioned.

Methods: We investigated the presence of sleep-disordered breathing in a prospective cohort of 31 consecutive unselected patients with iNPH using sleep questionnaires and nocturnal polysomnography (PSG).