NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how sleep affects memory and aging

Official title: Probing sleep and memory as targets for rejuvenation

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11047469 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how sleep affects memory as we get older, and it aims to find ways to improve sleep to help boost memory in older adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startNovember 15, 2024
Project endOctober 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$442,938
NIH project number1R21AG091327-01
Project IDNIH-11047469 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing memory decline or cognitive impairment.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not experiencing age-related cognitive decline or who have other neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the relationship between sleep and memory, particularly how these processes change as we age. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind age-related memory decline and how improving sleep could potentially reverse this decline. By studying the effects of sleep on memory consolidation and synaptic changes in both nematodes and mammals, the researchers hope to identify ways to enhance memory function in older adults. The project will involve detailed examinations of sleep patterns and their impact on memory formation in aging subjects.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or reversing memory decline associated with aging.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between sleep and memory, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: L 'Etoile, Noelle D — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: L 'Etoile, Noelle D

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.