Objective: To explore the variability of event-related potentials P(300) and memory function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS).
Methods: Polysomnography (PSG) event-related potentials (ERPs) P(300) and Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) were detected in 30 subjects with OSAS and 20 normal controls.
Results: The memory quotient [(86 ± 13) scores] in the OSAS group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The latency of P(300) [(410 ± 80) ms at Cz and (409 ± 80) ms at Pz] in the OSAS group was significantly longer than that in the control group (P < 0.01). In the OSAS group, the latency of P(300) was correlated negatively with the memory quotient and nocturnal hypoxemia, but positively with apea/hypopnea index (AHI, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: OSAS has memory deficit, which can be evaluated comprehensively by P(300) and WMS. The longer latency of P(300) might be regarded as one of the electrophysiological markers to indicate the severity of cognition in OSAS. Recurrent attacks of nocturnal intermittent hypoxemia may cause the regional brain damage related to cognition defect.