Assessment of Cognitive Function in Geriatric Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

2 Department of Chest Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea is a growing public healthcare issue in the
world that increases with age. It has significant impairments in cognitive function attributed
to intermittent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation. Aim: Assess the cognitive function in
geriatric patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Method: Descriptive research design was
used. This study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Chest Medicine Department
at Main Mansoura University Hospital. A purposive sample of 100 geriatric patients with
obstructive sleep apnea was enrolled in the study. Data was collected using 3 tools;
Geriatric Patient’s Demographic characteristics and Clinical Data Sheet, Mini-Mental State
Examination scale, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results: The mean score of cognitive
function was 22.30±3.79 with 51.0% of the studied elders had mild cognitive function
impairment and 14% had severe cognitive function impairment. In addition, a strong
negative correlation was found between obstructive sleep apnea severity and geriatric
patient's cognitive function (P<0.001*). Conclusion: Cognitive function impairment was
common among geriatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Recommendation:
Designing an educational program for the obstructive sleep apnea geriatric patients about
treatment adherence to improve cognitive function and prevent further deterioration.

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Mansoura Nursing Journal
Volume 8, Issue 3
February 2021
Pages 109-121

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