How sleep and fitness in midlife affect cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease later in life
Official title: Sleep and Aerobic Fitness as Midlife Modifiers of Later Life Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11057583 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep problems, like obstructive sleep apnea, and fitness levels during middle age might affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and memory issues as people get older, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how their health habits now could impact their brain health later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $756,633 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085592-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057583 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who may be experiencing sleep disturbances or have concerns about cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have any sleep disturbances or cognitive concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between sleep disturbances, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, and aerobic fitness during midlife, and how these factors may influence the onset of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline in older adults. By utilizing data from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort, which has tracked participants for decades, the study aims to understand how midlife health behaviors impact the development of Alzheimer's biomarkers and cognitive impairment. Participants will be assessed for their sleep patterns and fitness levels to determine their potential risk for Alzheimer's disease as they age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies for preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease through improved sleep and fitness interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between sleep quality, physical fitness, and cognitive health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okonkwo, Ozioma C — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Okonkwo, Ozioma C
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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.