How brain cells related to sleep are affected by Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Contribution of hypocretin neuron activity to Alzheimer's related sleep disturbances
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11073078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep problems in people with Alzheimer's might be connected to certain brain cells that help regulate sleep, and it hopes to find out how a protein linked to the disease affects these cells and sleep patterns.
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 | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $128,331 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG086609-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who experience sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or those who do not experience sleep issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between sleep disturbances and the activity of hypocretin neurons in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients. It aims to understand how the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's, affects these neurons and leads to disrupted sleep patterns. By studying the changes in sleep architecture and homeostatic sleep pressure, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind sleep fragmentation in Alzheimer's patients. This could involve monitoring brain activity and sleep quality in affected individuals over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving sleep quality in Alzheimer's patients, potentially enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing sleep disturbances can improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez, Oscar Christian — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez, Oscar Christian
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.