Examining the link between sleep and cognitive performance in older adults

Cross-sectional Investigation of Sleep Apnea and Cognition in Older Adults Using the ANNE Vital Sign System

Observational Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · NCT06423118

This study is testing how different aspects of sleep affect memory and thinking skills in older adults using a wearable device to track their sleep.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages55 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorSunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06423118 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between various sleep parameters, such as respiratory events and the apnea-hypopnea index, and cognitive performance in older adults. Participants will wear the ANNE Vital Sign System for 24 hours to collect sleep data and will complete cognitive tests to assess memory and thinking abilities. The study seeks to address the gap in understanding how objectively measured sleep quality impacts cognitive function, particularly in the aging population. By utilizing wearable technology, the study aims to provide a more accessible method for monitoring sleep compared to traditional polysomnography.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 55-85 who are cognitively intact and capable of participating in cognitive assessments.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment, dementia, or unstable medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of sleep-related issues that affect cognitive health in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While there is accumulating evidence linking sleep quality to cognitive impairment, this specific approach using wearable technology in older adults is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Sufficient knowledge of English to understand and provide informed consent
2. Competent to provide consent
3. Aged 55-85, Male and Female
4. ≥ 8 years of education
5. Capable of cooperating for the duration of the study procedures and assessments
6. No frank cognitive impairment or dementia
7. Sufficient (corrected) vision to participate in cognitive testing
8. Sufficient (corrected) hearing to participate in cognitive testing

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cannot read and comprehend English language instructions
2. Major cardio- or cerebro-vascular event (heart attack, stroke, significant white matter changes)
3. Unstable diseases (e.g., pulmonary, endocrine disorder)
4. Active malignancy or infectious diseases
5. History of significant learning disability
6. Major psychiatric/neurologic/degenerative disorder, including a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia
7. History of significant head trauma or recurrent concussions requiring hospitalization followed by persistent neurologic defaults or known structural brain abnormalities
8. Pain or sleep disorder that could interfere with cognitive testing
9. Major medical concerns that might interfere with cognitive testing
10. Recent history of substance/drug abuse
11. Known nickel allergy
12. Known cardiac implantable device
13. Known arrhythmias
14. Outside the included age range
15. Pregnant or breast feeding
16. Otherwise unable to use the ANNE sensors; for example, finger amputations.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SleepCognitionAgingsleepcognitionaging
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.