Sleep Apnea's Impact on Cognitive Decline and Gene Activity Revealed

A study has found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to early cognitive decline in middle-aged men, even in the absence of other health conditions or obesity. The research, which focused on non-obese, otherwise healthy men with OSA, revealed deficits in executive functioning, visuospatial memory, vigilance, sustained attention, impulse control, and social cognition. OSA is a commonly underdiagnosed condition that affects a significant portion of the population, with many individuals unaware they have it. The study suggests that OSA can directly cause cognitive impairments, and further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and the impact of co-morbidities on cognitive deficits in OSA patients.