Investigating sleep patterns to understand aging and Alzheimer's disease

Sleep Spindle Dynamics as a Clinical Biomarker of Aging, Alzheimer's Disease, and Trisomy 21

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-10733629

This study is looking at how certain brain wave patterns during sleep, called sleep spindles, can help us understand aging and conditions like Alzheimer's and Down syndrome, with the goal of creating better ways to diagnose these issues for people of all ages.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10733629 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how sleep spindles, which are specific brain wave patterns during sleep, can serve as biomarkers for aging and conditions like Alzheimer's disease and trisomy 21. By analyzing sleep data from a diverse group of participants across various ages, the study aims to identify the variability in these sleep patterns and their relationship to different neurological disorders. The researchers will develop a mathematical framework to better characterize these sleep spindle dynamics, which could lead to more precise diagnostic tools for these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of varying ages who may be experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, trisomy 21, or other neurodegenerative disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have any neurological or psychiatric conditions related to sleep dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease and related conditions, enhancing early detection and treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using sleep biomarkers for diagnosing neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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, Mental disorders

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.