Neurocognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes in Older Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Following Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation.

Objective: To assess the impact of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) on neurocognitive, psychological, and sleep outcomes in older adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 42 patients aged 50 years and older who underwent HNS for OSA was conducted. Patient-reported outcomes were collected using validated tools, including the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), PROMIS measures (Sleep-Related Impairment, Cognitive Function, Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Physical Function), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ-10), and NIH Toolbox Loneliness survey. Pre- and post-HNS scores were compared using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (-17.6, P < .0001), ISI (-7.02, P < .0001), ESS (-3.4, P < .0001), and FOSQ (4.05, P < .0001). PROMIS measures showed significant posttreatment improvements in sleep impairment, cognitive function, depression, anxiety, anger, and loneliness (all P < .01). Physical function and pain did not change.

Conclusions: HNS significantly improves sleep characteristics, cognitive function, and psychosocial outcomes in older adults with OSA. Future studies should include larger and more diverse samples with longer follow-up, as well as a control condition.