Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (4): 45-51.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1673-3770.0.2025.087

• Original Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Correlation between moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome with hypertension and cognitive impairment

CHEN Feier, SHAN Yamin, ZHANG Hao   

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
  • Published:2026-07-10

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Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)with comorbid hypertension on cognitive impairment and explore associated factors. Methods The participants were stratified into three cohorts: moderate-to-severe OSAHS(n=30), moderate-to-severe OSAHS with comorbid hypertension(n=33), and primary hypertension (n=37), with systematic collection of demographic and clinical parameters including apnea hypopnea index(AHI), and lowest oxygen saturation(LSaO2). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA), and cerebral white matter lesions were evaluated by modified Fazekas grading on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). Comparative analyses evaluated cognitive impairment and its influencing factors across three groups. Results The OSAHS-with-hypertension group exhibited significantly lower MoCA scores compared to the OSAHS-alone and hypertension-alone groups(P<0.001). Abnormal Fazekas grades were more prevalent in the OSAHS-with-hypertension group(P<0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative association between MoCA scores and Fazekas grades(P<0.001)and a positive correlation with lowest oxygen saturation(P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the OSAHS-with-hypertension group was significantly associated with abnormalities in MoCA scores(OR=13.049, P<0.001)and Fazekas grading(OR=8.311, P=0.003). Conclusion Patients with moderate-to-severe OSAHS and hypertension exhibit an elevated risk of cognitive impairment, for which cerebral white matter lesions serve as a critical underlying pathology.

Key words: Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome, Hypertension, Cognitive function, Montreal cognitive assessment, White matter lesions

CLC Number: 

  • R766.7
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