Current Research Studies

This study explores the effect of treating obstructive sleep apnea on cognition and neurodegeneration.

What’s involved

Over two years, participants in this study will undergo a medical assessment, and at multiple timepoints, neuropsychological assessments, blood tests, questionnaires, and MRI scans. They will also have psychoeducation regarding cognition and sleep over 8 telephone visits.

Inclusion Criteria
1. Subjective cognitive decline (new onset cognitive decline within the last 5 years)
2. Able to provide informed written consent
3. Fluent English literacy
4. Adults aged between 50-85 years
5. Mild – Severe OSA based on an average ODI ≥ 10 with 3% oxygen desaturation determined by wrist oximetry over two nights

Exclusion Criteria
1. Previous or current CPAP or mandibular device or oxygen user or body position device user (within past 3 months)
2. Severe OSA (> 10% of overnight recording time with oxygen saturation <80%) or excessively sleepy patients at increased risk for driving-related accidents requiring immediate treatment and/or in the investigator’s opinion requires immediate treatment.
3. People highly dependent on medical care
4. Previous diagnosis of dementia or MMSE <24
5. Previous major head injury or loss of consciousness ≥ 30 minutes
6. Previous or current substance misuse or use of medicinal cannabis
7. Previous or current neurological disorder diagnosis (e.g. Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke)
8. Psychiatric or developmental disorders (e.g. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism)
9. Current major depression diagnosis where, at the Investigators judgement, symptoms are poorly managed and may affect participation in the clinical study due to safety concerns or compliance with clinical study procedures, and/or where the patient has suicidal ideation.
10. Major sleep disorders (e.g. narcolepsy, severe restless legs syndrome, severe insomnia disorder unrelated to a sleep-breathing disorder)
11. Shift workers
12. Any other condition that would, in the Investigator’s judgment, contraindicate the patient’s participation in the clinical study due to safety concerns or compliance with clinical study procedures.
13. Currently participating in or has participated in a research study of an investigational agent or device within 4 weeks of enrolment.
14. Prohibited medications
Ongoing use of Anti-psychotic medication, mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines, wakefulness promoters and stimulants. Stable dosing (30 days prior to enrolment) of anti-depressants for non-major depressive disorder permitted. Melatonin or Circadin to be ceased before randomisation

Find out more

Contact name: Ms Nicole Espinosa

Email: nicole.espinosa@sydney.edu.au