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Brain Fog in Sleep Apnea

Key facts

Who runs it
Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ETS
Where
Italy1 site in 1 countryChoose a country to see its sites
Trial code
Status
Recruiting
People taking part
80 people, planned
Started
3 Feb 2025
Planned end
7 Apr 2026
Type of study
Observational, 2 groups
Record updated
24 August 2025

Who can take part

Age
18 years and older
Sex
Women and men
Healthy volunteers
Cannot take part

The registry criteria, word for word

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Who can take part

  • Patients with severe OSA treated with CPAP for at least 3 months
  • Patients with severe OSA in new access and therefore not yet subjected to CPAP treatment
  • Patients with severe OSA who are able to understand the Italian language

Who cannot take part

  • Patients with certified diagnoses of psychiatric disorders and/or substance use disorders (SUD), as verified by medical records
  • Patients who do not have a certified diagnosis of severe OSA
  • Patients with mild or moderate OSA
  • Patients with OSA who are unable to understand the Italian language
  • Patients with OSA who have neurological and/or oncological comorbidities, as verified by medical records
  • Patients with documented cognitive deficits, as verified by medical records

This trial has no sites in United States.

It has sites in one country. Choose a country to see its sites.

About the trial

What the trial wants to find out

Objective: This observational, cross-sectional pilot study aims to assess "Brain Fog" (cognitive symptoms impacting memory, attention, and concentration) in severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients. It compares two groups: those on CPAP treatment for at least 3 months and those not yet treated.

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Procedures: Severe OSA patients (AHI > 30) will complete a 30-minute questionnaire at the Sleep Center Clinic, covering sociodemographic information, OSA diagnosis, and treatment details. Assessment scales will measure daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and psychophysical fatigue.

Participants: 80 Sleep Center outpatients, evenly divided by age and gender:

40 with severe OSA on CPAP for at least 3 months. 40 with severe OSA not yet on CPAP. Duration: Approximately 12 months.

The 2 groups in the trial

  • Patients with severe OSA treated with CPAP for at least 3 months.

    The group consists of patients diagnosed with severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who have been treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy for a minimum of 3 months.

  • Patients with severe OSA in new access and therefore not yet subjected to CPAP treatment.

    This group comprises patients recently diagnosed with severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who have not yet started treatment with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This cohort will be compared to a group of patients who have been undergoing CPAP therapy for at least 3 months. The primary objective is to assess the presence and severity of cognitive symptoms, commonly referred to as "Brain Fog," which includes impairments in memory, attention, and concentration. Participants in this group will complete a one-time assessment, which will involve various scales to evaluate cognitive function, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue levels. This study aims to provide insights into the cognitive impacts of untreated severe OSA, thereby highlighting the potential benefits of initiating CPAP therapy.

Questions to ask the study team

  1. How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
  2. Are travel costs paid?
  3. Can I keep my own doctor?
  4. What happens if I want to stop?

Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations

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Data and sources

Registry record
Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Official title
Exploring Brain Fog Symptoms in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and CPAP Therapy Impact: A Pilot Study
Record updated
24 August 2025