I was diagnosed with OSA about 6 weeks ago and put on a CPAP.  I was a strong "moderate" in the sleep study.  I  have tried several masks & now have a full face mask.  One of the symptoms I had for several years was a short term memory problem.  Since I have been on the CPAP, I am not feeling rested yet.  My memory/focus is still an issue. Yesterday I went back to the dr for my first follow-up.  He said that if I have suffered apnea for a long time (which I think I have), it may take a while for my brain to get "rewired". The dr also put me on Provigil to help my memory/focus problem.   The nurse also mentioned the ECG indicated some affect on the heart and told me that I must be treated or suffer a risk of heart attack, stroke, etc., which I new from reading various material. It is a risk to all sleep apnea patients.

My question:  I am a bit confused about my memory issues since I am in the moderate category.  Has anyone else experienced this, and how long did it take to restore the short-term working memory?  The lowest oxygen level was 79.5.  Is it likely that my level was low for prolonged periods at night?  I am concerned about my job performance.  Thx.

Mark

mws95 wrote:

I was diagnosed with OSA about 6 weeks ago and put on a CPAP.  I was a strong "moderate" in the sleep study.  I  have tried several masks & now have a full face mask.  One of the symptoms I had for several years was a short term memory problem.  Since I have been on the CPAP, I am not feeling rested yet.  My memory/focus is still an issue. Yesterday I went back to the dr for my first follow-up.  He said that if I have suffered apnea for a long time (which I think I have), it may take a while for my brain to get "rewired". The dr also put me on Provigil to help my memory/focus problem.   The nurse also mentioned the ECG indicated some affect on the heart and told me that I must be treated or suffer a risk of heart attack, stroke, etc., which I new from reading various material. It is a risk to all sleep apnea patients.

My question:  I am a bit confused about my memory issues since I am in the moderate category.  Has anyone else experienced this, and how long did it take to restore the short-term working memory?  The lowest oxygen level was 79.5.  Is it likely that my level was low for prolonged periods at night?  I am concerned about my job performance.  Thx.

Mark

Hi Mark,

I think you must have had OSA for a few years before diagnosis. It looks like the problem was building for a while.

Your memory problem was caused by oxygen starvation, over an extended period of time, to the right front cortex of your brain, wherein lies your short term memory and your cognitive function. This is a typical symptom of untreated apnoea. As regards recovery, it depends on how much damage has been done as to whether you recover fully or partially. With recovery everyone is different, so you need to become compliant to your cpap therapy and monitor the improvements. Some people notice a marked improvement within days, others take longer.

Provigil is a stimulant, normally used to help with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) or Residual Sleepiness. It is normally used on a short term basis only. Seems strange to use it for a memory problem. You might need clarification on that one. THE USAF fed it to pilots during the Gulf War to keep them awake. They reported that they could keep pilots alert for up to 38 hours at a stretch.........God knows what mess they were in after that ???

You need to address the heart problem with a cardiologist. Continuous use of CPAP should stop further damage, and may help repair existing damage but its best to have it monitored.

Kind regards,

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Thx Daniel.  I was concerned that I am abnormal... reading some of these posts, it seems as though people with more severe cases seem to be responding quickly.  

I guess this is an example how serious this condition can be. People should take it very seriously.  
I am very optimistic that we will find the right treatment.  The dr perscribed Provigil because I was still fatigued during the day. He is still optimsitic the CPAP will work, and if the Provigil doesn't work, there are other things we can try.  I am just grateful this dr was astute enough to test for sleep apnea for my memory problems.  I have been complaining for a few years about this problem.  I even had a neuropsych test a couple of years ago that indicated below standard executive functioning (at UCSF). But with normal MRIs, the dr just shrugged his sholders.  It was not till I moved to Chicago and found this doctor that I was diagnosed.

Mark

mws95 wrote:

Thx Daniel.  I was concerned that I am abnormal... reading some of these posts, it seems as though people with more severe cases seem to be responding quickly.  

I guess this is an example how serious this condition can be. People should take it very seriously.  
I am very optimistic that we will find the right treatment.  The dr perscribed Provigil because I was still fatigued during the day. He is still optimsitic the CPAP will work, and if the Provigil doesn't work, there are other things we can try.  I am just grateful this dr was astute enough to test for sleep apnea for my memory problems.  I have been complaining for a few years about this problem.  I even had a neuropsych test a couple of years ago that indicated below standard executive functioning (at UCSF). But with normal MRIs, the dr just shrugged his sholders.  It was not till I moved to Chicago and found this doctor that I was diagnosed.

Mark

Mark,

The Provigil will help the sleepiness, but it is a stimulant only. It will not help your apnoea or memory problems. It is best used over a short period as there MAY be problems with addiction.

Try hard to make CPAP work. Only other solutions involve surgery, with questionable results not to mention pain.

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Thx Daniel.  

Very good information to keep in mind.  I understand the CPAP is the best best and I am confident it will work.  I know there are really no other "good" options. I am getting use to the mask.  

Mark