Exploring how enhancing deep sleep can improve memory in Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Investigating the Impacts of Pharmacological Slow Wave Sleep Enhancement on Cognition and Memory Traces in an Alzheimers Disease Model
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10902945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | July 2, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,414 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AG084312-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902945 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing significant memory deficits related to neurodegeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairment not related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jin, Michelle — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Jin, Michelle
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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.