Sleep, Aging and Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Sleep Disordered BreathingAlzheimer's DiseaseOur preliminary data show for in cognitively-normal elderly, that Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) is associated with the increase of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) phosphorylated-Tau (P-Tau) and total-Tau (T-Tau), decreases in medial temporal lobe glucose uptake (FDG-PET) and volume (MRI) and progressive memory decline, all of which have been shown to be useful in predicting future dementia in older adults. These findings raise the question as to whether Alzheimer's disease (AD) tissue damage causes SDB in the elderly, or alternatively, if SDB acts as a risk factor for AD neurodegeneration. In the proposed study, we will investigate these mechanistic hypotheses in cognitively normal elderly by examining the longitudinal associations between SDB and cognitive decline, novel MR neuroimaging and CSF biomarkers for neurodegeneration; while our secondary goal is to launch a pilot treatment study to aid in interpreting the mechanistic hypotheses and to examine the effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.
Patient Education and PAP Compliance in OSA
Obstructive Sleep ApneaObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder with serious complications. Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the first line treatment of OSA, which eliminates obstructive events, reduces daytime sleepiness, and improves quality of life, especially in those with excessive daytime sleepiness. However, despite the benefits of the PAP treatment, overall acceptance and adherence rates are not fully promising. Less is known regarding the PAP adherence rates in Turkey. In the current study, the researchers primarily addressed if an intensified patient education strategy including the polysomnography (PSG) charts viewing followed by frequent follow-ups would improve the compliance rates at long-term in patients with OSA.
Sleep Apnoea Management by a Communication Based Technology (ICT)
Obstructive Sleep ApneaTelemedicineThis project develops a new form of management of subjects with suspected SAHS and different sleep disorders by applying Information and communications technologies (ICT).
Genioglossus Muscle Training for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
SnoringSleep Apnea1 moreObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) carries serious health consequences for patients. Evidence exists that some behavioral (e.g. exercise based) therapies may assist in lessening the severity of this disorder. The proposed investigation will examine the effects of eight weeks of genioglossus muscle strength training on measures of snoring and OSA severity as well as genioglossus protrusive muscle strength.
Telemedicine in Sleep Breathing Disorders: a Multicenter Study.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea SyndromeIn recent years medicine has been enhanced by the incorporation of technological innovations from areas as diverse as cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, biophysics and bioengineering. One of the few exceptions in this rapid process of implementing technological advances occurs in clinical medicine, where its penetration is much less effective than in other scientific and professional fields, or even in everyday life. Attempts to tackle this problem have given rise to various initiatives in the US and Europe, including Spain. There is a surprising paucity of telemedicine systems in clinical practice, especially with respect to sleep-related breathing disorders, and most particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where protocols are urgently needed to alleviate this healthcare problem represented by its under-diagnosis and comorbidity, as well as the long waiting lists for treatment. In others words, the growing awareness of sleep disorders, especially OSA, has not been accompanied by strategic changes in the cost-effective diagnosis and/or treatment of these diseases. CPAP therapy compliance is not always appropriate. Helping patients during the first two months usually determines compliance. Therefore, the development of strategies to support the patient during the first weeks is essential. However, this "collides" with reality, where it is difficult to properly care all patients because of congested sleep units. It is therefore necessary to implement new and imaginative control schemes especially at the beginning of the treatment. Patients' follow-up performed by telemedicine technology is an option that aims to substitute the face-to-face visits or at least reduce them considerably. In a future context, the idea is that the professional in charge of CPAP patients monitoring has on his/her agenda face-to-face visits and televisits (at distance) and information which patient will provide through online questionnaires with a certain frequency. In this sense, this project aims to analyze whether CPAP treatment compliance of OSA patients monitored by telemedicine techniques (website and televisits) is similar to that achieved by standard monitoring but more cost-effective. The study design is a multicenter randomized trial with parallel groups and blind final evaluation after CPAP treatment following two different strategies: one through conventional monitoring in the hospital (face-to-face visiting) and another by telemedicine monitoring (non-contact visiting and website).
The Effects of CPAP Withdrawal on Cerebral Vascular Reactivity and Brain Oxygenation in OSA
Sleep ApneaObstructiveObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder associated with adverse cardiovascular outcome. Underlying mechanisms are subject of debate. A causal relationship between OSA and systemic hypertension as well as peripheral endothelial dysfunction was shown, and there is accumulating evidence from physiologic and observational studies that cerebral autoregulation is insufficient to protect the brain from the nocturnal consequences of OSA. However, there are no data from randomised controlled trials proving a causal relationship between OSA and impaired cerebral vascular reactivity (CVR). The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to study the effects of a short-term CPAP withdrawal, and thus returning OSA, on daytime CVR and brain oxygenation to establish whether there is a causal relationship between OSA and cerebral vascular damage.
A 2 Week, Crossover Trial of Dietary Nitrate in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS).
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea SyndromeAcute consumption of dietary nitrate (as beetroot juice) has been shown to decrease systemic blood pressure in multiple populations as well as increase organ perfusion in areas of interest such as the pancreas and brain. Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with high blood pressure, dysglycaemia and impaired vigilance. The effect of dietary nitrate in OSAS has not been reported.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Children With Sleep Disordered Breathing.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea of ChildSleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common disease in both adults and children and is caused by the obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Unlike adults, most cases of paediatric SDB are due to the presence of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, thus the main treatment option is adenotonsillectomy (AT). It is well known that obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults increases the risk for hypertension, coronary artery disease and stroke, and there is now mounting evidence that SDB also has a significant impact on the cardiovascular system in children with reports of elevated blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction and altered autonomic cardiovascular control. Oxidative stress seems to play a pivotal role in impairing flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and consequently enhancing cardiovascular risk in SDB patients but the underlying mechanism is still undefined. Previously, we demonstrated that endothelial dysfunction is directly related to NADPH oxidase activation. Furthermore, recently we assessed the association between OSA, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in adults showing that increased NADPH oxidase-generated oxidative stress and arterial dysfunction are partially reversed by nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment. There is evidence in literature that cardiovascular morbidities associated with SDB are potentially reversible in children; AT may have a significant role in reversing the cardiovascular sequelae of SDB (e.g. children with OSA). Nowadays, there aren't studies that analyzed the role of NADPH oxidase-generated oxidative stress in SDB children. The purpose of the current research project is to examine the role of NADPH oxidase activity, oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial function in SDB children, understanding the mechanisms involved in this disease. Furthermore we will analyse the effect of a AT on inflammation, oxidative stress, NADPH oxidase activity and endothelial function in SDB children.
VASO-AM :Impact of Oral Appliance Therapy on Endothelial Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea SyndromeThis is a randomized controlled study evaluating the impact of 2 months of oral appliance therapy on endothelial function in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
Osteopathy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Obstructive Sleep Apnea SyndromeThe main objective is to evaluate an osteopathic compression of pterygopalatine node on sleep obstructive apnea syndrome (OSA).