Investigating the link between obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer's disease risk in older Black individuals
Official title: Using a Health Disparity Research Framework to examine mechanisms linking Obstructive Sleep Apnea with higher Alzheimer’s disease risk in older Blacks/African-Americans
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11076339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep apnea might increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older Black adults, focusing on how sleep patterns and inflammation play a role, with the goal of finding better ways to support those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,680,584 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082278-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older Black individuals who are experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obstructive sleep apnea or are not part of the older Black demographic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may contribute to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older Black individuals. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind this connection, particularly focusing on sleep patterns and inflammation. The study will analyze how OSA affects brain health and cognitive function, while also considering social and structural factors that may influence these outcomes. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to improve care strategies for those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease in older Black individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between sleep disorders and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bubu, Omonigho a Michael — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bubu, Omonigho a Michael
Related research
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Understanding how sleep apnea may raise Alzheimer’s risk in older Black adults
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Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
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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.