Detection of mild cognitive impairment in OSA

Obstructive sleep apnoea increases the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. A study in the November issue of the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ) characterises the ability of two screening tests, the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, to detect mild cognitive impairment in adults aged 55–85 years with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The study concluded that the Montreal Cognitive Assessment performs best and can be used in the clinical setting (though neuropsychological referral is preferable where neurodegenerative processes are suspected). Read the study here or browse the November issue at erj.ersjournals.com