Investigating the link between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive decline in older adults

Pathways between OSA and cognitive decline in older women and men: a longitudinal population-based study

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10827951

This study is looking at how sleep apnea might affect thinking and memory in older adults and whether using a special breathing machine can help improve their brain health, so if you have sleep apnea and are concerned about memory loss, this research could be really helpful for you!

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10827951 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may contribute to cognitive decline in older adults, particularly focusing on the effects of treatment with positive airway pressure therapy (PAP). By analyzing a population-based cohort over time, the study aims to identify key factors that influence the relationship between OSA and dementia. Participants will be monitored for cognitive changes and the impact of OSA treatment on their cognitive health. The findings could provide insights into potential interventions to reduce dementia risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have obstructive sleep apnea or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline in older adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has suggested a protective effect of OSA treatment on dementia risk, indicating that this approach has shown promise in related studies.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Conditions Disease Progression
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.