How obstructive sleep apnea affects thinking and memory
Cognitive Function and Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Adults With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Long-term Impact of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy
This project will try to see how thinking, memory, brain scans, and blood markers change over time in adults 18–65 newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who have no other chronic illnesses, and will follow a subgroup who start positive airway pressure therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Comenius University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bratislava) |
| Trial ID | NCT07364318 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, observational longitudinal cohort of 100 adults newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who have no chronic diseases other than overweight or obesity and are not on chronic medications. Participants will undergo multidimensional testing including standardized neuropsychological batteries, neuroimaging, vascular and metabolic measures, and molecular biomarkers to map physiological and pathophysiological processes linked to cognition. A subgroup with moderate to severe OSA who are prescribed positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy will be followed longitudinally to observe treatment-related changes. The design aims to reduce confounding by enrolling treatment-naive, otherwise-healthy adults and is conducted at Comenius University and University Hospital Bratislava in Slovakia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 who are newly diagnosed with OSA (AHI ≥5), have no chronic diseases other than overweight/obesity, are not on chronic medications, speak Slovak as their native language, and can complete in-person testing.
Not a fit: Patients with other chronic illnesses, ongoing chronic medication or nicotine use, prior OSA treatment, severe psychiatric or major motor/sensory deficits, or who do not use Slovak daily are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify treatable OSA-related factors and biomarkers that help preserve cognition or guide early interventions to slow cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier neuroimaging and clinical studies have linked OSA to structural and functional brain changes and some trials show cognitive improvement with PAP, but comprehensive longitudinal, multimodal cohorts in untreated, otherwise-healthy adults are relatively uncommon.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Informed consent. 2. Age 18 - 65 years. 3. Newly diagnosed OSA according to the criteria of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Guidelines (overnight PSG with an AHI ≥5 events per hour, hypopneas defined by ≥ 10 seconds of airflow reduction accompanied by ≥ 3% desaturation or an arousal). 4. Able to accomplish relevant tests and follow-up. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of any chronic disease other than overweight and obesity. 2. Severe psychiatric condition that could affect cognitive functions. 3. Chronic use of medication or nicotine that may affect the study results. 4. Prior neuropsychological assessment less than 6 months before the start of the research. 5. Prior therapy for OSA (i.e., CPAP, upper airway surgery, or oral appliance). 6. Motor or sensory deficits that would significantly complicate test administration. 7. Patients who do not have Slovak as their native language actively used in daily communication. 8. Considered by the study team as not suitable for enrollment based on clinical judgment.
Where this trial is running
Bratislava
- 1st Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital Bratislava, Slovakia — Bratislava, Slovakia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Branislav Kollar, prof. MD PhD. MPH.
- Email: b.kollar.md@gmail.com
- Phone: +421 948 334 417
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.