Sleep state-specific (REM, NREM) OSA may be differentially associated with varying dimensions of cognitive deficits in middle-aged to older adults, and such associations are likely to be modified by genetic factors, include APOE polymorphisms.
In all APOE genotype groups, serum triglycerides increased while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was reduced with increasing severity of OSA in each APOE genotype group, whereas the deleterious effects of OSA on serum apolipoprotein (Apo)B levels were observed in ε2 carriers and the ε3/ε3 genotype only.
The APOE polymorphisms may modulate the effects of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation in the sleep architecture of OSAS patients, and that the presence of the ε2 allele may serve as a biological marker for the identification of a subgroup of patients who are more likely to suffer with OSAS detrimental effects on sleep, impacting not only the daily functioning, but also their quality of life.
This study confirms the presence of a verbal memory impairment in OSA patients and provides evidence for a significant interaction of APOE epsilon4 allele and OSA on frontal lobe function in adults, possibly mediated by the presence of specific frontal lobe neuroanatomical changes in these patients.
Furthermore, 16 of 74 children with OSA and cognitive scores <85% had the APOE epsilon4 allele compared with 3 of 72 children with OSA with abnormal cognitive scores (p < 0.002).
Furthermore, 16 of 74 children with OSA and cognitive scores <85% had the APOE epsilon4 allele compared with 3 of 72 children with OSA with abnormal cognitive scores (p < 0.002).