How sleep and metabolism interact in Alzheimer's disease

The metabolic interplay of sleep and Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research University of Kentucky · NIH-10830350

This study is looking at how sleep problems and Alzheimer's disease are connected, especially how changes in blood sugar might affect sleep and Alzheimer's symptoms, and it will also test if the diabetes drug metformin can help improve sleep and ease those symptoms.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-10830350 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex relationship between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease, focusing on how changes in glucose metabolism may affect sleep patterns and Alzheimer's-related pathology. By using advanced techniques like EEG/EMG recordings and hippocampal biosensors in rodent models, the study aims to understand how fluctuations in blood sugar levels can disrupt sleep and contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's. Additionally, it explores whether the diabetes medication metformin can help restore normal sleep patterns and mitigate Alzheimer's symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing sleep disturbances and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients without Alzheimer's disease or significant sleep issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve sleep and potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the interplay between sleep and Alzheimer's is a recognized area of interest, this specific approach focusing on metabolic factors and the use of metformin is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
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.