Investigating the link between sleep apnea and brain changes in older adults

Establishing Sleep Apnea as a non-cognitive phenotype of brainstem ADRD pathologies in older adults

['FUNDING_R01'] · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10809683

This study is looking at how Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions might impact sleep apnea in older adults, aiming to understand how changes in the brain could affect breathing during sleep, which could help improve care for those with these conditions.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10809683 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores how Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) may affect sleep apnea in older adults. It aims to understand the relationship between ADRD pathologies and the brain circuits that control breathing during sleep. By using novel sensors and studying brain tissues, the research seeks to identify specific changes that could lead to sleep apnea. The findings could help in recognizing sleep apnea as a significant aspect of ADRD in aging populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without any signs of sleep apnea or ADRD may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for sleep apnea in older adults with dementia.

How similar studies have performed: While the connection between sleep apnea and ADRD is being explored, this specific approach of examining brainstem circuits in humans is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

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 →

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.