Improving sleep and cognition in Alzheimer's disease patients

Improving Sleep and Cognition in Alzheimer's Disease: A Pilot RCT of Citicoline

NA · Emory University · NCT05200208

This study is testing if a dietary supplement called citicoline can improve sleep and thinking skills in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEmory University (other)
Locations2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05200208 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a dietary citicoline supplement on sleep quality and cognitive function in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. It will be conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial involving 20 participants over a 3-month period. Participants will be assessed using various cognitive and sleep quality measures, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The study seeks to determine if citicoline can alleviate sleep disturbances commonly experienced by Alzheimer's patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 and over diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and living within the continental United States.

Not a fit: Patients with certain chronic conditions, psychiatric disorders, or those who have irregular work schedules may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients by improving their sleep and cognitive function.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that citicoline may improve cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants who are diagnosed with AD and confirmed from the medical record.
* At least 18 years of age living within the continental United States
* Read and understand English
* Have Internet and email access (this criterion applies to the legally authorized representatives)

Exclusion Criteria:

* No telephone access
* Epilepsy or head trauma resulting in unconsciousness in the past two years
* Presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, severe cardiac insufficiency (congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction), type I diabetes, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, liver cirrhosis, thyroid dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic renal failure, and/or psychiatric disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder
* History of alcohol dependence and medication abuse
* Night shift workers or those in situations where they regularly experience jet lag, or have irregular work schedules, since circadian misalignment may alter markers of inflammation

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Alzheimer Disease, Sleep disturbance

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.