Improving sleep for older adults with memory loss and their caregivers

Sleep Enhancement for Older Adults Living With Memory Loss And Their Care Partners

Not applicable Interventional Emory University · NCT06250725

This study is testing a 6-week online program that teaches older adults with memory loss and their caregivers how to improve their sleep quality together.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Atlanta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT06250725 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate a 6-week videoconference intervention that teaches Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) to older adults living with memory loss and their caregivers. The intervention focuses on improving sleep quality, which is crucial for both the individuals with dementia and their caregivers. By addressing sleep disturbances in a collaborative manner, the study seeks to enhance the overall well-being of both parties. Participants will engage in videoconferencing sessions and provide feedback through semi-structured interviews to assess the intervention's feasibility and acceptability.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias who experience sleep disturbances, along with their caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe cognitive impairment or those unable to participate meaningfully in interviews may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve sleep quality and overall health outcomes for older adults with dementia and their caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: While there is no published research on simultaneous CBTi interventions for both PLwD and caregivers, previous studies have shown CBTi to be effective in improving sleep disturbances in these populations separately.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for the PLwCI:

* Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), or caregiver-reported probable or possible cognitive impairment or
* Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score between 12 and 24;
* Had ≥1 sleep problem ≥3x/week on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)-Nighttime Behavior Subscale;
* Have an eligible caregiver;
* Be able to participate in the intervention sessions

Inclusion Criteria for Caregivers:

* ≥18 years old, co-residing with persons living with cognitive impairment (PLwCI);
* Regularly assist the care recipient with ≥1 of 7 basic activities of daily living or
* ≥1 of 7 Instrumental Activities of Daily Living for the past 6 months;
* Have difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep for the last three months or
* Have a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) of 5 or greater

Exclusion Criteria:

* PLwCI: Moderate to severe cognitive impairment
* Individuals who are not yet adults
* Pregnant women
* Prisoners
* Individuals who are not able to clearly understand English.

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia

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 Sleep DisturbanceDementiaPersons living with dementiaCaregiversCognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
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.