Cognitive impairment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.515732605024

• Palavras-chave: obstructive sleep apnea; cognitive impairment; quality of life.

• Keywords: obstructive sleep apnea; cognitive impairment; quality of life

• Abstract:

  Considering that Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) significantly compromises the cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of affected individuals, this study is justified by the need to understand how this condition interferes with patients' daily activities. Thus, we seek to assess cognitive impairment in individuals with OSA, focusing on attention, memory, and executive functions, in addition to investigating possible differences in impact between genders. To this end, a cross-sectional, analytical, and exploratory study was conducted using the validated Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index questionnaire, applied to 137 participants treated at a center specializing in sleep medicine. The results indicate that, although it was not possible to identify a direct statistical relationship between the severity of apnea and cognitive changes, the reports show significant impairments in executive functions and quality of life, especially among women. It is therefore concluded that OSAS should be seen as a comprehensive condition that affects patients' mental and behavioral processes and emotional balance, reinforcing the need for a multidisciplinary approach that includes neuropsychological monitoring in treatment.