Researchers say there could be a link between a lack of oxygen while sleeping and the risk of developing dementia.

The study on mice could have lessons for humans, including the benefits of CPAP treatment.

Professor Elizabeth Coulson from University of Queensland’s Brain Institute said while the link doesn’t mean someone with sleep apnea will develop dementia, it is an interesting find.

“We do know that having sleep disordered breathing or sleep apnea gives you an increased risk of dementia … it’s a small risk, a three-fold risk,” she explained on 4BC Afternoons.

“But we also know that 50 per cent of elderly have some form of sleep disordered breathing, so it’s a large population with a small risk but that’s a big population in terms of our community.

“What we found both in mice and humans, using your CPAP is good for your memory.”

She said it was important people with sleep disorders get diagnosed.

Press PLAY below to hear her explain more about the research