Exploring how sleep affects brain health as we age
Official title: Investigating the role of sleep in brain resilience during aging using a scalable and short-lived vertebrate model
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10903917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $128,331 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG076879-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without sleep issues or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nath, Ravi — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Nath, Ravi
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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.