Effects of Real vs. Soundless Acoustic Stimulation During Deep Sleep on Brain Activity, Memory, and Blood Biomarkers in Older Adults (60-85) With Mild Memory Impairment

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BERN · Oct 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new approach to help improve memory and slow down cognitive decline in older adults, particularly those aged 60 to 85 who have mild memory issues. The study focuses on enhancing sleep quality, specifically a deep sleep stage known as slow-wave sleep (SWS), which is crucial for memory and removing waste from the brain. Researchers will use a method called phase-locked auditory stimulation (PLAS), where short sounds are played at specific times during sleep to strengthen brain activity. Participants will use home devices that either provide real sounds or soundless stimulation for two separate four-week periods. They will engage in fun memory games and will have blood samples taken to monitor brain health markers.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be between 60 and 85 years old, have mild cognitive impairment, and be able to understand and communicate in German. They should have good vision and hearing and have someone living with them to assist with the study. Individuals with certain sleep disorders, significant mood issues, or severe neurological problems will not be included. If the study is successful, it could lead to a new, affordable treatment to help maintain brain health and potentially prevent dementia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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