Creatine therapy to improve neurobehavioural function in obstructive sleep apnea

Summary

This study will test the treatment effectiveness of creatine supplementation to improve neurobehavioural performance in obstructive sleep apnea

Supervisor(s)

Professor Ron Grunstein

Research Location

Camperdown - Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

Program Type

Masters

Synopsis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a well established cause of sleepiness and daytime dysfunction. OSA patients exhibit varying levels of performance deficits in memory, attention, executive function and vigilance tasks. In addition, brain imaging studies of OSA patients have reported neurobiological abnormalities. Creatine plays a pivotal role in the brain and there is excellent preliminary data demonstrating its value as a neuroprotective agent. Creatine supplementation results in improved cognitive performance, increased cerebral perfusion, improved brain energetics and is neuroprotective in hypoxia.

This project will determine whether a simple therapy, creatine supplementation, improves brain function measured by neurobehavioural and cognitive testing in OSA.

Additional Information

This project would also be suitable for an Honours candidate.

Keywords

MR-S, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, creatine, energetics, bioenergetics, neuroprotective chemicals, Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 1121

Other opportunities with Professor Ron Grunstein

• Chronotherapy for hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea
• The effect of modafinil on daytime sleepiness, neurobehavioural performance and quality of life in obstructive sleep apnea patients
• Which sleep apnea patients have problems with alertness and attention?
• Developing a psychoeducation program to improve sleep-wake disturbances in Parkinson’s Disease