Sleep Apnea and Cognitive Function in Subjects With Subjective or Mild Cognitive Impairment

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep that causes intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation. Chronic intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation of OSA, and insufficient sleep have been significantly associated with higher risks of neurocognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease. Thus, sleep and circadian function might be modifiable neurocognitive impairment factors. A recent review of 11 studies involving 5826 subjects \[96% with OSA and 9% with MCI or Alzheimer's disease\] suggests OSA is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. Thus, improving sleep, sleep apnea and circadian function could be a high-value intervention target to alleviate cognitive impairment and decline in subjects with MCI. The study aims to understand the relationships of prevalent sleep apnea and sleep-related symptoms with neurocognitive status in patients who presented with the main complaint of neurocognitive impairment ( to the Memory clinic). The information would help pave the groundwork for further research.