Investigating how sleep issues affect emotional problems in Alzheimer's patients

Sleep Disturbance and Emotion Regulation Brain Dysfunction as Mechanisms of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Alzheimer's Dementia

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11180635

This study is looking at how sleep problems affect feelings and behavior in people with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease, and it wants to find out if helping you sleep better can improve your mood and reduce anxiety or agitation.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11180635 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how sleep disturbances contribute to emotional and behavioral symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. By examining the connections between sleep quality, brain function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, the study aims to determine if improving sleep can lead to better emotional regulation. Participants will be involved in a randomized controlled trial where they will receive either Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia or a control treatment. The goal is to see if changes in sleep can positively impact emotional health and reduce symptoms like anxiety and agitation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease who experience sleep disturbances and emotional distress.

Not a fit: Patients with severe Alzheimer's disease or those without sleep disturbances may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate emotional distress and improve quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using cognitive behavioral therapy to improve sleep and emotional regulation in various populations, suggesting potential success in this approach for Alzheimer's patients.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's disease patient
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.