Improving sleep and brain health in older adults with metabolic treatments
Official title: Metabolic Interventions for Sleep, Anesthesia-related Neurocognitive Disorders and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11035190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how giving special energy sources called ketones can help older adults sleep better and stay safe during anesthesia, while also supporting brain health for those with conditions like Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $520,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076704-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035190 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals experiencing sleep disturbances or cognitive decline, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have sleep issues or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing metabolic interventions aimed at enhancing sleep quality and safety during anesthesia for elderly patients, while also addressing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study investigates how the aging brain's ability to utilize glucose diminishes, but its capacity to use ketones as an energy source remains intact. By providing ketone bodies, which have anti-inflammatory properties, the research aims to improve brain function and sleep patterns, potentially reducing complications associated with anesthesia and cognitive decline. Patients may be monitored for changes in sleep quality and cognitive performance as part of the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved sleep quality and reduced cognitive decline in older adults, enhancing their overall health and safety during medical procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using metabolic interventions to improve brain health and cognitive function, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nehs, Christa Joy — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nehs, Christa Joy
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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.