Abstract
The mandibular advancement splint (MAS) was recently introduced for the management of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), although its effects on psycho-intellectual functions have not been elucidated yet. We examined psycho-intellectual function before and after treatment with MAS in patients with SAS. Twenty patients with SAS underwent psycho-intellectual function testing before and after treatment with MAS for 3 to 4 weeks. The apnea index significantly decreased from 19.0±15.6 to 2.4±1.9. The state anxiety score significantly decreased from 44.6±12.1 to 33.7±11.1, the trait anxiety score significantly decreased from 46.2±13.4 to 37.6±13.8, and the depression scale score significantly decreased from 39.2±11.0 to 30.8±9.9 with MAS treatment. By the Cornell Medical Index and the Yatabe-Guilford test, the patients became less neurotic and less eccentric after treatment. By the Uchida-Kraepelin psychodiagnostic test, calculation ability significantly increased from 1247.4±402.1 to 1950.2±651.9. We conclude that MAS treatment reduces apneic episodes and improves psycho-intellectual derangements in patients with SAS.
