Impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Cognitive impairment (CI) and fatigue significantly impact multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' quality of life.
• Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), are prevalent in MS.
• Previous research indicated a correlation between CI and OSA in MS, though this study found no such link.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of treating OSA on cognitive function and fatigue in individuals with MS.
• To explore a novel therapeutic approach for managing cognitive deficits in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three MS patients with significant fatigue were enrolled.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment in MS and the 3-second Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test.
• Participants underwent polysomnography to diagnose OSA; cognitive and fatigue measures were reassessed after OSA treatment in some patients.

Main Results:

• Seven participants (30%) were diagnosed with OSA.
• Verbal learning significantly improved in MS patients treated for OSA compared to untreated individuals.
• No correlation was found between the presence of CI and OSA in this cohort.

Conclusions:

• Treatment of OSA shows potential for improving verbal learning in people with MS.
• Larger studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of OSA treatment for cognitive and fatigue symptoms in MS.