Investigating how suvorexant affects Alzheimer's disease biomarkers
Official title: Effect of Suvorexant on Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10819600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a sleep medication called suvorexant might affect certain proteins in the body that are related to Alzheimer's disease, and it's for people who want to see if better sleep can help with their condition over six months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,504,459 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080551-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10819600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or exhibit early signs of Alzheimer's pathology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of suvorexant, a medication that promotes sleep, on biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand how chronic treatment with suvorexant over six months can influence levels of proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood that are linked to Alzheimer's pathology. By using an adaptive trial design, the study will assess changes in amyloid and tau proteins, which are critical indicators of Alzheimer's disease progression. Patients participating in this research will be monitored for changes in these biomarkers to evaluate the potential benefits of improved sleep on Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that help reduce Alzheimer's disease progression by improving sleep quality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating that improving sleep may positively affect Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lucey, Brendan Patrick — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lucey, Brendan Patrick
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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.