Exploring how enhancing deep sleep can improve memory in Alzheimer's disease.

Investigating the Impacts of Pharmacological Slow Wave Sleep Enhancement on Cognition and Memory Traces in an Alzheimers Disease Model

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10902945

This study is looking at how improving deep sleep might help memory and thinking in mice with Alzheimer's, by testing two sleep-promoting medications to see if they can make sleep better and reduce harmful brain plaques.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10902945 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of enhancing slow-wave sleep (SWS) on cognitive function and memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study will test two compounds, gaboxadol and trazodone, known for their ability to promote SWS, to see if they can improve sleep patterns, reduce amyloid plaque buildup, and enhance memory performance. By using advanced techniques like microdialysis and sleep recordings, the research aims to understand the relationship between sleep and memory in the context of Alzheimer's pathology.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing significant memory deficits related to neurodegeneration.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairment not related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve memory and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing slow-wave sleep in animal models, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although it is still being explored in the context of Alzheimer's disease.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.