Improving sleep apnea treatment and cognitive health in Native American elders

Cognition After Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Treatment Among Native American People (CATNAP)

Not applicable Interventional Washington State University · NCT06227572

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWashington State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Eagle Butte, South Dakota)
Trial IDNCT06227572 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar interventions targeting sleep apnea and cognitive health have shown promise in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Eagle Butte, South Dakota

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 Obstructive Sleep ApneaCognitive Change
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.