Comparing Cognitive Performance in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and healthy Subjects
Introduction:: Daily performance deficits are inevitable results of a large group of sleep disorders. Cognition and cognitive performance might be defected as a direct consequence of sleep disorder assessed by subjective or objective measures. So, this survey was performed in order to compare cognitive performance of obstructive sleep apnea patients and healthy subjects in Baharloo hospital of Tehran. Method: In this case control study, the samples were chosen by convenience sampling, from Baharloo hospital patients and were assigned to case group (apnea patients) and control group (healthy subjects), based on AHI score. Also, we used a demographic questionnaire, ESS, Berlin, and STOP BANG. Appropriate tool was used to assess cognitive performance in two groups. In order to analyze data we used SPSS (version 19). Independent T test, Chi square, Fisher test, Kruskal-wallis Test, and Pearson correlation test were used. Results: Results demonstrated a significant difference of sleepiness and cognitive performance between healthy subjects and OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) patients. Conclusion: Screening and diagnosis of OSA patients, and considering the deficient cognitive performance is crucial. Also, education about the importance of OSA Syndrome and the treatment is necessary. Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea, Cognitive performance, Excessive daytime sleepiness