Neurocognitive Recovery Following Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Patients with Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background/Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder associated with cognitive decline. Evidence regarding the reversibility of these deficits after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains inconsistent. Methods: This prospective observational study included 60 adults with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe OSA (median age 51 years; 80% male), who underwent baseline assessment using P300 event-related potentials and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). After three months of CPAP therapy with confirmed good compliance, both measures were re-evaluated. Results: After three months of CPAP therapy, a statistically significant reduction in P300 latency (p < 0.001) and an increase in amplitude were observed, accompanied by significant improvements in executive function (p < 0.001), attention (p < 0.001), and delayed recall (p < 0.001). Conclusions: CPAP therapy leads to measurable recovery of cognitive function in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA, suggesting partial reversibility of neurocognitive impairment associated with sleep-disordered breathing. These findings highlight the importance of early recognition and treatment of OSA to prevent long-term cognitive decline.