Improving sleep apnea treatment and cognitive health in Native American elders
Official title: Cognition After Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Treatment Among Native American People (CATNAP)
Run by Washington State University · NCT06227572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help Native American elders with sleep apnea stick to their treatment and see if it also helps their thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Eagle Butte, South Dakota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 6, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06227572 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are American Indian or Alaskan Native elders aged 50 years and older who have a confirmed diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and are prescribed PAP therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are already using a PAP device at Medicaid recommended standards or those with significant cognitive decline unable to consent will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to develop and implement a culturally informed intervention combining motivational interviewing and electronic messaging to enhance adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy among American Indian elders diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study will involve 300 participants aged 50 and older from three Northern Plains Reservations, who will be randomized to receive either standard PAP therapy or the enhanced intervention. The primary focus is to evaluate the impact of this intervention on PAP adherence and cognitive function, particularly in relation to the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study will be conducted at four community sites, partnering with local organizations to monitor participants' PAP usage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve adherence to sleep apnea treatment and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline in American Indian elders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar interventions targeting sleep apnea and cognitive health have shown promise in other populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 50 years and older * Self report American Indian or Alaskan Native * diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea * prescribed PAP therapy and have a device * \*Ability to understand written and spoken English; and * \*Ability and willingness to follow all study protocols. Exclusion Criteria: * Living in a household with someone who is enrolled in the study * Already using PAP device at Medicaid recommended standards * Cognitive decline, unable to consent on their own
Where it's running
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Missouri Breaks Industries Research Inc
Eagle Butte, South Dakota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Denise Dillard, PhD
- Email: denise.dillard@wsu.edu
- Phone: 206-708-8633
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.