INcOSA (Version 2)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the Neuropathology of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
IRAS ID
170912
Contact name
Ivana Rosenzweig
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London, Director of Research Management
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
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 is associated with inflammation of the brain. 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 and to help guide future clinical treatment.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0893
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion