Investigating the link between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive impairment

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and the Association With Cognitive Impairment

Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT04658290

This study is trying to see if people with obstructive sleep apnea have more trouble with thinking and memory than those without it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 74 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, Please Select)
Trial IDNCT04658290 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its potential association with cognitive impairment. By analyzing a cohort of participants who have been stable on permitted medications for at least four weeks, the study seeks to gather epidemiological data on these conditions. Participants with certain neurological or psychiatric disorders, as well as those currently receiving treatment for OSA, will be excluded to ensure the integrity of the findings. The results may provide insights into how OSA affects cognitive function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who have stable health on permitted medications and do not have significant neurological or psychiatric disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with suspected dementia, significant psychiatric disorders, or those currently receiving treatment for obstructive sleep apnea may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive impairment, potentially leading to improved management strategies for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the relationship between sleep disorders and cognitive function, suggesting that this area of research has potential but may still yield novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Have stability of at least 4 weeks on permitted medications (i.e. medications known not to affect sleep architecture or circadian rhythms).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Suspected dementia or a score of \<24 on the mini-mental state examination
* A diagnosis of neurological disorders (e.g. Parkinson's Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis)
* Psychiatric disorders including current major depression; bipolar disorder; schizophrenia
* Other known clinically significant sleep disorders (e.g. narcolepsy)
* Been currently receiving CPAP or bi-level pressure for OSA

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong, Please Select

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Cognitive Impairment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.