Exploring how sleep recovery affects neurodegenerative diseases

Exploring the Recovery Function of Sleep in Neurodegeneration - an Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Zurich · NCT05402488

This study is testing if better sleep can help improve thinking skills in people with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Huntington's, and whether sounds during sleep can make a difference.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich)
Trial IDNCT05402488 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep parameters and cognitive performance in patients with neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormal protein aggregation, such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. The researchers will collect data from both patients and healthy individuals to validate their findings. Additionally, the study will explore whether auditory stimulation can influence sleep parameters and subsequently improve cognitive outcomes. The approach is exploratory and seeks to lay the groundwork for future intervention studies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with a confirmed diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive deficits, language barriers, or those unable to comply with study procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved sleep interventions that enhance cognitive function in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While the exploration of sleep recovery in neurodegenerative diseases is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of sleep in cognitive health.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Good general health or confirmed diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation along international criteria
* Age above 18 years
* In ambulant setting: ability to apply the ambulant EEG device for the duration of the study, either alone or with help of co-habitant if MoCA \< 20

Exclusion Criteria:

* Failure to give informed consent
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems or cognitive deficits
* Known or suspected non-compliance, drug- or medication abuse
* Inability to hear the tones to be applied during sleep in auditory stimulation experiments
* Skin disorders/problems/allergies in face/ear area that could worsen with electrode application
* Regular intake of drugs that may alter the relationship between sleep and outcome variables under investigation (opioids, benzodiazepines and z-drugs (nonbenzodiazepines)).
* Clinically significant concomitant disease states
* Too high (disease) burden for patients
* Additional non-medical exclusion criteria may be defined for certain cognitive tasks (e.g. no glasses during experiments involving eye tracking)

Where this trial is running

Zurich, Canton of Zurich

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 Neurodegenerative DiseasesParkinson's DiseaseHuntington's DiseaseMCISleepAuditory Stimulation
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.