NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how sleep problems affect Alzheimer's disease in mice

Official title: Mechanisms of sleep fragmentation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10662118 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how disrupted sleep might affect Alzheimer's disease by using mice to see if certain brain cells play a role, and it will also test if improving sleep can help with thinking skills and slow down the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project startApril 15, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$1,902,500
NIH project number1RF1AG082202-01
Project IDNIH-10662118 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing sleep disturbances associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with sleep disorders not related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between sleep fragmentation and Alzheimer's disease using a mouse model. It aims to explore how changes in sleep patterns, particularly through the activity of specific neurons, may contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's. The study will monitor neuronal activity and assess the impact of amyloid-beta accumulation on sleep architecture. Additionally, it will evaluate whether enhancing sleep through pharmacological or optogenetic methods can improve cognitive function and slow disease progression.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve sleep quality and cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between sleep and Alzheimer's, but this specific approach is novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Stanford University
    Stanford, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: De Lecea, Luis — Stanford University
  • Study coordinator: De Lecea, Luis

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.