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Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and CPAP on Cognitive Function
Gilbert Seda1, Gregory Matwiyoff2, John S Parrish2
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, Building 3, 3rd floor, Suite 301, San Diego, CA, 92134, USA. gilbert.seda@gmail.com.
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|May 6, 2021
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly impacts cognitive functions like attention and processing speed. Treatment, especially CPAP, may slow cognitive decline and reduce dementia risk in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves repeated upper airway obstruction during sleep.
- OSA is an independent risk factor for cognitive decline in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on the cognitive effects of untreated OSA.
- To evaluate the benefits of OSA treatment across various cognitive domains.
Main Methods:
- Critical review of recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of studies on cognitive effects and treatment outcomes in OSA patients.
Main Results:
- OSA primarily affects attention, vigilance, and information processing speed.
- OSA is linked to the development and progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- CPAP treatment may mitigate cognitive decline and lower dementia risk.
Conclusions:
- Further large, prospective studies are needed to confirm treatment efficacy.
- More research is required on alternative OSA treatments like oral devices and hypoglossal nerve stimulation.
Keywords:
AttentionCognitionContinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)Executive functionMemoryObstructive sleep apneaMore Related Videos
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