How sleep loss affects brain injury in Alzheimer's disease

Cellular and Molecular Basis of Sleep Loss Neural Injury in Alzheimer Disease

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10795099

This study is looking at how not getting enough sleep might affect the worsening of Alzheimer's disease by checking how it influences certain proteins in the brain, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding the connection between sleep and brain health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10795099 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of chronic short sleep on the progression of Alzheimer's disease, particularly focusing on how sleep deprivation influences tau protein accumulation in the brain. The study uses a murine model to explore the biochemical and behavioral changes associated with sleep loss, examining the role of specific neurons that are vulnerable in Alzheimer's. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the effects of sleep loss on brain health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing chronic short sleep and showing early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease in individuals suffering from sleep loss.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that sleep loss can exacerbate neurodegenerative conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into Alzheimer's disease.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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 syndrome
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.