How treating sleep apnea affects memory and Alzheimer's biomarkers in older adults
Official title: Effects of Successful OSA TreatmENT on Memory and AD BIomarkers in Older AduLts (ESSENTIAL)
Funded at California Pacific Med Ctr Res Institute · NIH-10914983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how treating obstructive sleep apnea might help improve memory and lower the risk of Alzheimer's in older adults, and it’s for those who have sleep apnea and want to see if treatment can boost their brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Pacific Med Ctr Res Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $3,792,731 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080609-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who are cognitively normal or at risk for cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obstructive sleep apnea or those with advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on memory and biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The study aims to determine if effective OSA treatment can reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's by analyzing changes in specific biological markers after treatment. Participants will undergo cognitive testing and biomarker assessments to evaluate the effects of positive airway pressure therapy on their cognitive health. The research addresses the challenges of treatment adherence and identifying the right patient population for effective intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing Alzheimer's disease in older adults by effectively treating sleep apnea.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in treating sleep apnea to potentially delay cognitive decline, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
California Pacific Med Ctr Res Institute
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stone, Katie L — California Pacific Med Ctr Res Institute
- Study coordinator: Stone, Katie L
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.