title: [Analysis of memory dysfunction in OSAS patients].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hypoxia, reduced cerebral perfusion and sleep fragmentation as the result of recurrent apnea-related episodes in sleep apnea patients may have impact on mental performance such as memory and concentration. Increased number of traffic accidents has been observed in OSAS patients. Patients often complain of concentration and memory problems, as well as sleepiness. The diagnosis of perception processes requires neuropsychological diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  22 sleep apnea patients were involved in the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Correlation between the number of mistakes in Benton Test and AHI has been observed (r = 0.63; p < 0.005), as well as between AHI and memory in Number Repeating Test based on Wechsler-R (r = 0.49; p < 0.05). No correlations have been found between results of Benton Test and sleepiness scale. Mean saturation and lowest saturation didn't show any correlation with neuropsychological tests. Qualitative analysis of mistakes in both Benton and Bender-Gestalt Tests did not suggest any organic changes in the brain. AHI seems to be more important predictor of memory dysfunction than sleepiness scale score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Specific tests, specially used in neuropsychological diagnosis, could be useful in the diagnosis of memory perception disorders and treatment effectiveness assessment in OSAS patients.
authors: Katedra i Klinika Pneumonologii Slaskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Katowicach, ul. Medyków 14, 40-752 Katowice, Poland. pneumo@sum.edu.pl
authors: Małgorzata
authors: M
authors: Farnik
authors: Władysław
authors: W
authors: Pierzchała
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008606:Mental Processes; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications*