Neurometabolic Assessment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea by MRI

Neurometabolic Assessment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea by MRI

Brief description of study

The purpose of this research study is to explore the effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on brain oxygen metabolism. This will show us how much oxygen your brain uses to function. OSA is known to lower levels of oxygen in the blood and also to cause cognitive deficits. We want to see if brain oxygen levels are lower in people who have OSA and if using CPAP therapy will help improve brain oxygen levels. We also want to conduct cognitive testing to see how your brain is functioning.

Detailed description of study

If you decide to participate in the study you will be asked to come in for three visits. Each visit will have three parts: 
1. 60-minute cognitive test: We will conduct cognitive tests for about one hour before or after your MRI scan so we can see how well your brain is functioning. These tests will be on computer and paper and will be done with a research team member. 
2. Finger prick blood test: We will test your level of red blood cells by pricking one finger on each hand with a small device and collecting one drop of blood. This will help us make sure we test your brain oxygen use correctly. 
3. MRI scan of your brain: The MRI scan of your brain will take about one hour. You will be asked to lie flat on your back on a bed, which will be pushed into the MRI scanner until it is centered over your head. The MRI will involve placing a helmet-like device called a head coil around your head, which has extra magnets in it to give us detailed pictures of your brain. Your face will not be covered by the head coil. The scan includes sections that measures your brain oxygen use (CMRO2). This test measures the amount of oxygen flow to the brain through images. It is a non-invasive test that can be completed in a normal MRI scanner without any injections. Each of these sections will run for 10 minutes. During these scans you will be asked to hold your breath for a short period a few times, with a break in between each breath hold. If you cannot hold your breath for the whole time, we will just ask that you hold it for as long as you feel comfortable.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions:
    Sleep Apnea Syndromes,Obstructive sleep apnea,healthy Volunteers,healthy subjects,Healthy,healthy controls,Healthy volunteer,healthy volunteer,healthy volunteers,healthy subjects,healthy controls,healthy controls
  • Age: Between 18 Years - 85 Years
  • Gender: All


Updated on 22 Jun 2022. Study ID: 820858

Interested in the study

Select a study center that’s convenient for you, and get in touch with the study team.

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