Investigating how sleep affects memory in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Cerebrovascular and neurophysiological mechanisms of sleep-dependent memory impairment in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10903039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep affects memory in older adults who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find out how blood vessel health impacts both sleep and memory, so we can better understand how to help people with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,527 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG084308-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are experiencing memory issues or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those without any cognitive impairment or risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between sleep and memory impairment in older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on understanding how cerebrovascular health, particularly small vessel disease, impacts sleep and memory functions. Participants will undergo various assessments, including MRI scans and wrist-worn devices to monitor sleep patterns, to identify key factors that contribute to memory deficits. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that link sleep quality to cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing sleep and memory in older adults, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between sleep quality and cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berisha, Destiny — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Berisha, Destiny
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.