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

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

['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11062801

This study is looking at how sleep problems might affect feelings of anxiety and restlessness in people with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's Disease, and it will help us see if improving sleep through therapy can make these feelings better.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11062801 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between sleep disturbances and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and agitation in patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's Disease. By examining how sleep affects brain function related to emotion regulation, the study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to these symptoms. Participants will be involved in a randomized controlled trial where they will receive either Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia or a control treatment to assess the impact of improved sleep on emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's Disease who are experiencing sleep disturbances and emotional distress.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced 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 improved treatments for managing emotional distress in Alzheimer's patients through better sleep management.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease patient

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.