Improving sleep quality to enhance memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Official title: Preventing Cognitive Decline Using Portable, Non-invasive Sleep Enhancement
Run by University of Bern · NCT06669546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether using special sounds during sleep can help older adults with mild memory problems sleep better and improve their memory over time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 21, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06669546 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 to 85 with mild cognitive impairment and intact hearing.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe sleep disorders, untreated neurological or psychiatric conditions, or significant depression may 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 study investigates the effects of phase-locked auditory stimulation (PLAS) on deep sleep and cognitive function in older adults aged 60 to 85 with mild memory impairment. By using specific sound patterns during sleep, the study aims to enhance slow-wave sleep, which is crucial for memory consolidation and brain health. The research is designed to assess whether this non-invasive intervention can improve memory and reduce cognitive decline over a longer period in a real-world setting, building on previous laboratory findings. Participants will be monitored for changes in brain activity, memory performance, and blood biomarkers associated with cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel method to improve memory and slow cognitive decline in older adults at risk for dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar auditory stimulation techniques in controlled settings, but this approach in a real-world context is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent * Age between 60 and 85 years * Cognitive impairment (subjective and/or MoCA between 23-26) * Native German speakers or comparably fluent * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision. * Intact hearing * A close cohabitant (partner/sibling) should be present to support participants in using study materials/devices. Exclusion Criteria: * Insomnia assessed by the Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS; Crönlein et al., 2013) * Restless leg syndrome assessed by questions concerning typical symptoms. * Sleep apnoea assessed by the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ; Netzer et al., 1999) * Severely irregular sleep patterns assessed by the RIS and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI; Buysse et al., 1989) * Symptoms of depression (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS; Yesavage et al., 1982) ≥ 5) * History of untreated severe neurological and psychiatric diseases * Alcohol or substance abuse * Use of medication acting on the central nervous system
Where it's running
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University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marc A Züst, PhD — University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
- Study coordinator: Marc A Züst, PhD
- Email: marc.a.zuest@unibe.ch
- Phone: +41 (0)58 630 95 02
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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.