NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating the link between obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer's disease

Official title: Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Important in the Development of Alzheimer's Disease

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10861744 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how sleep apnea might be linked to Alzheimer's disease in older adults, and it aims to find out if oxygen therapy can help improve thinking skills for those affected.

More s Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2020
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$728,661
NIH project number5R01AG063925-05
Project IDNIH-10861744 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have obstructive sleep apnea or those who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that disrupts breathing during sleep, may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in older adults. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind this connection, including the roles of oxidative stress and the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. By using innovative, minimally invasive methods, researchers will assess the pathophysiology of OSA and its impact on cognitive functions. The project will also evaluate the effectiveness of oxygen therapy in OSA patients who are at risk for Alzheimer's, with the goal of improving cognitive outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or mitigating Alzheimer's disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated a potential link between sleep disorders and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Malhotra, Atul — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Malhotra, Atul

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.