Positive airway pressure therapy for older veterans with COPD and sleep apnea overlap
Official title: Impact of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in Older Veterans with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Overlap Syndrome)
Funded at John D Dingell VA Medical Center · NIH-11415408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A plan to see if using a CPAP/BAP therapy improves sleep, thinking, and quality of life for older veterans who have both COPD and sleep apnea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | John D Dingell VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003124-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older veterans diagnosed with both COPD and obstructive sleep apnea (overlap syndrome) who may benefit from PAP therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with overlap syndrome who do not tolerate PAP therapy or have contraindications may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on older veterans who have both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea, a condition known as overlap syndrome. It builds on pilot data suggesting that treating sleep apnea may reduce sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties, potentially improving daily functioning and overall well-being. The study will examine how positive airway pressure therapy affects sleep quality, cognitive performance, and quality of life compared with usual care. By following participants over time, researchers aim to determine whether PAP therapy offers meaningful benefits beyond sleep improvement. The work is designed to inform future, larger studies in this patient population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PAP therapy could improve sleep, cognition, and quality of life for older veterans with COPD and sleep apnea overlap.
How similar studies have gone: Prior pilot data indicate feasibility and potential cognitive and sleep improvements with PAP in overlap syndrome, supporting further study.
Where this research is happening
-
John D Dingell VA Medical Center
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chowdhuri, Susmita — John D Dingell VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chowdhuri, Susmita
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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.