Assessing Cognitive Impairments in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scores.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition associated with cognitive impairment and various comorbidities. This prospective study evaluated cognitive deficits in OSA patients and identified clinical factors affecting cognitive function. Seventy-two participants were assessed using polysomnography (PSG) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Findings revealed significantly lower MoCA scores in severe OSA patients compared to those with mild or moderate OSA. Severe OSA patients had a median MoCA score of 23.5 (20.0-25.0), indicating more significant cognitive impairment, while those with normal OSA severity had the highest median score of 28.5 (27.8-29.2). Mild and moderate OSA patients had median scores of 26.5 (21.0-28.0) and 25.0 (23.80-26.0), respectively (p < 0.008). Logistic regression showed that ex-smoking status negatively impacted MoCA scores more in the unadjusted model (p = 0.003) than in the adjusted one (p = 0.018). Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) positively correlated with MoCA scores, stronger in the unadjusted model (p < 0.001 vs. p < 0.03). Higher Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) correlated with higher MoCA scores while increasing Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) severity correlated with lower MoCA scores in both models. A significant negative correlation was found between age and MoCA score (r = -0.473, p < 0.001), and between MoCA score and AHI (r = -0.350, p < 0.003). This study highlights the need for sensitive cognitive screening tools like MoCA in evaluating OSA patients, linking cognitive impairment closely with OSA severity and other clinical factors.