Investigating how sleep apnea treatment affects cognitive decline and Alzheimer's risk

Sleep apnea treatment and risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimers disease

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-10893647

This study is looking at how treating sleep apnea might help older adults lower their chances of experiencing memory problems or Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find out which groups of people benefit the most from treatments like CPAP.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10893647 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the relationship between treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. By utilizing data from two large national studies, the Health and Retirement Study and the National Health and Aging Trends Study, the project aims to follow participants over a period of up to 14 years. The focus is on understanding how effective treatments like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) can potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline, especially in populations at higher risk for Alzheimer's. The study will also assess whether certain groups benefit more from treatment, helping to tailor interventions for those who need them most.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults aged 65 and above, particularly those diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and at risk for cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have obstructive sleep apnea may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for sleep apnea that may help prevent cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that treating sleep apnea can have positive effects on cognitive function, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.