Clinical Trials Spotlight - Sleep Apnea & Multiple Sclerosis

The Neurosciences and Sensory (NSS) CTSU is currently supporting a clinical trial led by Principal Investigator, Tiffany Braley, MD, that is looking into how Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy can improve cognitive function in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

Nearly 1 million Americans have MS, and of those, 70% experience cognitive dysfunction (problems with memory, information processing, and calculation). While cognitive dysfunction is a common cause of disability, treatment options to improve cognition in MS are limited.  

Dr. Braley's and her colleagues' research suggests there is a link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is common in patients with MS, and cognitive dysfunction. This National Multiple Sclerosis Society-funded clinical trial aims to determine the effects of OSA on cognitive function and to evaluate whether treatment with CPAP therapy (the primary treatment for OSA) could improve cognitive function in MS patients.

"As OSA is a treatable disorder," Dr. Braley explained, "this trial could potentially determine if CPAP therapy could become a useful strategy to improve cognitive performance in patients with MS.” 

The CPAP to Treat Cognitive Dysfunction in MS study is currently open and recruiting patients.

To learn more, click here.