Neuropsychiatric Complications of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Objective: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) associated with neuropsychological deficits and altered quality of life. This study aimed to assess cognitive functions, quality of life (QOL), and mood changes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Methods: This study included 37 patients who diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea compared with 34 subjects with age and sex matched healthy persons as control group. They were assessed by using Short-Form 36 Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and sleep disorders questionnaire, Hamilton depression and anxiety scales (HADS), Cognitive Abilities Screening Instruments (CASI) and mini mental state examination (MMSE).
Results: Patients with OSA had significant lower scores in all domains of SF-36 (5.4±1.2; 10.7±2.2; 7.2±1.5; 4.5±0.8; 31.6±2.9; 3.8±0.8; 10.2±2.2 and 3.5±0.8), compared to control group. Mean scores of the Hamilton questionnaires (depression 7.7±8.3; anxiety 6.4±1.3) were significantly higher in patients than control group. Most domains of SF-36 were also significantly correlated with AHI, slowest heart rate, sleep disorders questionnaires, and different variables of studied cognitive function.
Conclusion: Cognitive functions, mood and QOL of patients with OSA were markedly affected compared with normal control subjects. Early recognition and treatment of OSA could reduce disability and improve the quality of life of patients with OSA.