Investigating the Neuropathology of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Investigating the Neuropathology of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Our multi-disciplinary research group works closely with people who have obstructive sleep
 apnoea. This is a life-long illness that causes breathing to stop during sleep, which leads
 to low-oxygen in the blood. Breathing restarts when the airway at the back of the throat
 reopens, usually during arousal from sleep. In some people the repeated arousals from sleep
 cause daytime sleepiness. Our research has shown that the low blood oxygen levels affect
 thinking and feeling, and in some cases we think it damages the brain cells involved with
 memory, attention, emotions and decision-making.

 This study will investigate the relationship between the amount of oxygen in the blood and
 the loss (if any) of brain cells. Also how the ability to perform complex tasks is affected
 in patients that suffer from sleep apnoea. The results will show whether the brain damage in
 patients with sleep apnoea can be reversed with treatment. These findings will guide doctors
 in the treatment for sleep apnoea and they will cast light onto the process of memory decline
 with the aim to preserve brain function.
This is a cross-sectional physiological study, which is anticipated to last for 4 years. In
 order to study the mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA),
 patients will start Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment following the
 confirmed diagnosis of sleep apnoea. CPAP is the treatment of choice for patients with
 moderate to severe OSA who are sleepy during the day. It is also used in patients with mild
 OSA if they are excessively sleepy or suffer from cardiovascular risk factors. It is
 recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) as a treatment for
 adults with moderate or severe OSA (Sleep apnoea - continuous positive airway pressure, NICE
 2008). In the proposed study the initiation of CPAP will be within the 18 week period set out
 in the National Health Service (NHS) Improvement Plan and Standards for Better Health
 (Standards for Better Health, Department of Health 2004). No patient with a diagnosis of OSA
 will commence treatment with CPAP later than advised by the NICE guidelines of clinical
 judgement for the best interest of the patient.

 In order to investigate the neuroinflammation process and discrete changes in the brain of
 patients with OSA, a minimum of 9 patients with mild OSA and 9 patients with severe OSA will
 be compared to 9 healthy controls following initial sleep (assessment) study. All
 participants will undergo a dynamic Positron Emission Tomography with Magnetic Resonance
 Imaging (PET-MR) scan with the Translocator protein (TSPO) tracer [Fluorine-18]
 N,N-diethyl-2-[4-(2-fluoroethoxy)phenyl]-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-3-acetamide
 (DPA-714) at the time of enrolment to the study. Each participant will also have an MRI scan
 and cognitive testing.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:

 Participants with OSA:

 -  Male patients

 -  With untreated OSA either mild (AHI≥5/hour and ≤10/hour)

 -  or severe (AHI≥30/hour)

 -  With excessive sleepiness (ESS≥9)

 -  Aged 18-69 years

 Healthy control group:

 -  Male participants

 -  No history of sleep disorders

 -  AHI≤5/hour

 -  No current or previous major neurological or psychiatric disease

 -  Not currently undertaking neuropharmacological treatment

 -  Non-smoker

 -  No history of alcohol or recreational drug abuse

 -  No major organ failure

 -  Not professional drivers or shift workers

 EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

 -  Having other sleep disorders, neurological or psychiatric disease

 -  Undertaking neuropharmacological treatment

 -  Has a history of alcohol or recreational drug abuse, major organ failure

 -  Professional drivers or shift workers

 -  Unable to have MR scan (e.g. too heavy (>200Kg) or have ferromagnetic implants)

 -  [18F]DPA-714 affinity too low

 -  Inability to comprehend what is proposed

 -  Inability to travel to the research sites