Neuroimaging markers of cerebral small-vessel disease in obstructive sleep apnea: a narrative review

Key Points

• Neuroimaging markers reveal significant connections to vascular pathology in obstructive sleep apnea, highlighting cerebral small-vessel disease.
• Recent findings indicate that structural changes occur in the brain due to obstructive sleep apnea, with implications for cognitive health.
• The narrative review synthesizes various studies examining neuroimaging techniques, focusing on how they detect changes associated with small-vessel disease.
• Exploration of neuroimaging markers offers insights into underlying mechanisms, yet further studies are necessary to deepen understanding.