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Pathogenesis of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea : A Hypothesis with Emphasis on the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius
Author
Source
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-18, 18 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-01-16
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
18
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
OSA is characterized by the quintessential triad of intermittent apnea, hypoxia, and hypoxemia due to pharyngeal collapse.
This paper highlights the upstream mechanisms that may trigger cognitive decline in OSA.
Three interrelated steps underpin cognitive dysfunction in OSA patients.
First, several risk factors upregulate peripheral inflammation; these crucial factors promote neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in OSA.
Secondly, the neuroinflammation exerts negative impact globally on the CNS, and thirdly, important foci in the neocortex and brainstem are rendered inflamed and dysfunctional.
A strong link is known to exist between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
A unique perspective delineated here underscores the importance of dysfunctional brainstem nuclei in etiopathogenesis of cognitive decline in OSA patients.
Nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) is the central integration hub for afferents from upper airway (somatosensory/gustatory), respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular (baroreceptor and chemoreceptor) and other systems.
The NTS has an essential role in sympathetic and parasympathetic systems also; it projects to most key brain regions and modulates numerous physiological functions.
Inflamed and dysfunctional NTS and other key brainstem nuclei may play a pivotal role in triggering memory and cognitive dysfunction in OSA.
Attenuation of upstream factors and amelioration of the NTS dysfunction remain important challenges.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Daulatzai, Mak Adam. 2012. Pathogenesis of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea : A Hypothesis with Emphasis on the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius. Sleep Disorders،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-18.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-457457
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Daulatzai, Mak Adam. Pathogenesis of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea : A Hypothesis with Emphasis on the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius. Sleep Disorders No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-18.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-457457
American Medical Association (AMA)
Daulatzai, Mak Adam. Pathogenesis of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea : A Hypothesis with Emphasis on the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius. Sleep Disorders. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-18.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-457457
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-457457