Investigating how menopause and sleep apnea affect brain health in middle-aged women with diabetes
Official title: Cortical Complications of Perimenopause and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Underrepresented Middle-Aged Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-10931635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how menopause and sleep apnea affect brain health in middle-aged women with Type 2 Diabetes, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to better understand their unique health challenges and improve their well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $669,550 |
| NIH project number | 5R56AG080816-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged women from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who are living with Type 2 Diabetes and experiencing menopause or sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not middle-aged women or do not have Type 2 Diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of menopause and obstructive sleep apnea on brain health in middle-aged women who have Type 2 Diabetes, particularly those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The study aims to explore how hormonal changes, inflammation, and sleep disturbances contribute to cognitive and sensorimotor impairments. By examining these factors together, the research seeks to provide a clearer picture of the risks faced by these women and improve their health outcomes. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate their hormonal levels, sleep patterns, and cognitive functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline and enhancing overall health in middle-aged women with Type 2 Diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of menopause and sleep apnea on health, but this study aims to address a gap by focusing specifically on underrepresented women with diabetes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gorniak, Stacey Lynn — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Gorniak, Stacey Lynn
Related research
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A new U01 grant from a university research team aims to understand why Type 2 diabetes differs so much between people and how to tailor prevention and treatment.
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Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
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Alzheimer’s and dementia risk in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why some older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes develop memory problems or dementia.
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.