Exploring how sleep affects brain health as we age

Investigating the role of sleep in brain resilience during aging using a scalable and short-lived vertebrate model

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10903917

This study is looking at how sleep affects brain health as we get older, especially for older adults who might be worried about memory problems or diseases like Alzheimer's, using a special fish to see how changing sleep patterns can help keep the brain strong and healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10903917 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the critical role of sleep in maintaining brain health and resilience during aging. It focuses on understanding how the deterioration of sleep quality in older adults may contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Using the African killifish, a short-lived vertebrate model, the study aims to explore the effects of sleep on cognitive health and resilience by manipulating sleep patterns and observing the outcomes. The findings could provide insights into potential interventions to improve sleep and, consequently, brain health in aging populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults aged 65 and above who may be experiencing sleep disturbances or are at risk for cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without sleep issues or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing brain resilience and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between sleep and cognitive health, but this specific approach using the African killifish is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.
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.