Executive and frontal lobe function

Abstract

Executive function impairment is frequently reported in studies of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), although the findings are not always consistent. The most prominent deficits include working memory, phonological fluency, cognitive flexibility, and planning. Previous studies of executive deficits have been criticized for their lack of control over basic attentional processes in measuring executive function. It is proposed that such issues can be addressed statistically and by applying theory-driven approaches such as the working memory model. Detailed characterization of residual executive function deficits after treatment of OSA is critical for the evaluation of treatment outcome and the development of appropriate cognitive rehabilitation strategies.