Boosting deep sleep to protect memory in Alzheimer's risk
Slow-wave sleep enhancement in those at risk for Alzheimer's disease: Links with memory, excitotoxicity, and plasma A-beta
This project explores if getting deeper, more restful sleep can help protect memory and brain health for older adults who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11076235 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease affects millions of older adults, and changes in sleep are common with both aging and the disease. This project aims to see if we can improve deep, slow-wave sleep through specific behavioral changes. We believe that better deep sleep can help the brain process information more effectively, reduce harmful overactivity in memory centers, and potentially slow down the progression of Alzheimer's-related changes. Our goal is to determine if these sleep improvements lead to better memory and changes in important markers related to Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 and older who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients whose cognitive decline is not linked to sleep issues or Alzheimer's disease pathology may not receive direct benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could offer a simple, non-drug approach to help maintain brain health and memory in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown that improving deep sleep can lead to better cognitive function, suggesting this approach has promise.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilckens, Kristine Ann — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Wilckens, Kristine Ann
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.