Enhancing deep sleep in Alzheimer's disease mice by modulating a brain relay
Official title: Enhancing deep restorative sleep in Alzheimer's disease model mice by neuromodulation of the globus pallidus pars externa
Funded at Boston VA Research Institute, INC. · NIH-11344420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a brain stimulation approach in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease to deepen slow-wave sleep and support brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston VA Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $268,800 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG100509-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11344420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease who might benefit from therapies that improve deep sleep; results from mice would inform future human research.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits are not guaranteed for all patients and this study uses animal models to explore mechanisms; human benefits would require further trials.
What this research studies
This study uses two Alzheimer’s disease mouse models to see if stimulating a specific brain region, the globus pallidus pars externa, can boost deep NREM sleep. By boosting deep sleep, the researchers hope to improve memory and slow disease-related brain changes. The project builds on preliminary data and aims to translate sleep improvements into potential benefits for neurodegenerative progression. The work involves precise brain modulation techniques and behavioral plus molecular assessments in mice. Outcomes could point to new sleep-based strategies to support people at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could pave the way for new sleep-centered interventions that may slow Alzheimer’s progression.
How similar studies have gone: Similar strategies targeting sleep and brain activity have shown promise in animal studies, but translating to humans remains an active area of research.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston VA Research Institute, INC.
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Ritchie Edward — Boston VA Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Brown, Ritchie Edward
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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.