Improved cognitive functions after treatment with an oral appliance in obstructive sleep apnea

oved cognitive functions after treatment with an oral appliance in obstructive sleep apnea Original Research (1774) Total Article Views Authors: Tegelberg , Wilhelmsson B, Erixon-Lindroth N, Lindstr m LH Published Date August 2012 Volume 2012:4 Pages 89 - 96 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S33849 Received: 13 May 2012 Accepted: 20 June 2012 Published: 22 August 2012 ke Tegelberg,1,4,5 Bo Wilhelmsson,2 Nina Erixon-Lindroth,6 Leif H Lindstr m3,4 1Department of Stomatognathic Physiology, 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 3Department of Psychiatry, Central Hospital, V ster s, Sweden; 4Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Central Hospital, V ster s, Sweden; 5Faculty of Odontology, Malm University, Malm , Sweden; 6Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral appliance (OA) treatment on cognitive functions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and methods: In a prospective study, 50 male patients with verified moderate-to-severe OSA received an OA with mandibular advancement. The cognitive functions assessed included working memory, vigilance, executive functioning, and mental pace, measured before as well as after 6 months of treatment. Somnography was used to measure physiological treatment effects. Forty-three patients completed the 6-month follow-up study. Results: All domains of cognitive functioning measured improved after 6 months of treatment with an OA (P < 0.001). The apnea/hypopnea- and oxygen desaturation-indices decreased significantly after treatment (P < 0.01). An obvious treatment response was reached in 60% of the patients, and 54% of the patients had recovered ie, had normalized breathing during sleep. Conclusion: OA with mandibular advancement is a treatment modality for the physiological symptoms of OSA, and may have a positive impact on cognitive functions, after only 6 months of treatment.