RecruitingInterventional

Is it possible to assess sleep interventions aimed at improving sleep quality and daytime function in people with mild dementia?

This study explores simple ways to help people with mild Alzheimer's disease sleep better and feel more alert during the day. Researchers are testing two ideas: guided daytime napping and a special device to help with breathing during sleep. The nap part of the study wants to find out if short naps can improve how people think and feel each day, and whether morning or afternoon naps are best. The breathing device aims to help those who might have sleep apnoea (a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep). The study will see if these home-based interventions are practical and if they make a positive difference to living with mild Alzheimer's.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Surrey

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

06 Aug 2027

Adults (aged 50 - 90 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of prodromal or mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease

What is this study about?

This study is looking into new, simple ways to help people living with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. We know that sleep problems and how well someone functions during the day can be big challenges for those with Alzheimer's. This research focuses on two ideas that you can try at home to see if they can make a difference. These ideas are a planned napping routine during the day and using a special device to help with breathing during sleep.

For the napping part of the study, the researchers want to understand if taking short naps can help people think more clearly and feel better during the day, and if these naps affect sleep at night. They'll also be looking at whether it's better to nap in the morning or the afternoon. For the breathing device part, the study offers help for those who might have problems with their breathing while they sleep, known as sleep apnoea. This device is thought to help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnoea, which could lead to better sleep quality.

The main goal of this study is to see if these two approaches are practical for people with mild Alzheimer's to use at home and whether they have a positive impact on sleep and daily activities. The findings from this research could help develop new strategies to improve the daily lives of people living with Alzheimer's disease.

Key takeaways

Exploring simple, home-based ways to improve sleep and daytime function for people with mild Alzheimer's.
Testing two main approaches: guided daytime napping and a breathing device for sleep apnoea.
Involves using special devices to monitor sleep at home and answering daily questionnaires.
Participation lasts 3-6 weeks, with support from a partner or family member if they choose to join.
Aims to understand if these methods are practical and make a positive difference.
Based in the UK, with screening visits in Chertsey and home-based device setup.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 50 and 90 years old and have been told by a doctor that you have early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Your memory and thinking abilities should be mildly affected, as checked by a specific test.

It's important that you are willing to take part in all the study activities from your home and can understand and speak English well enough to complete surveys. If you take any medicines for sleep or for Alzheimer's, you need to have been on a steady dose for at least three months without plans to change it during the study. You must also be registered with a local GP and live in your own home.

If you're interested in the napping part of the study, you should already be someone who usually takes naps during the day. If you're interested in the breathing device part, you'll be checked for a medium to high risk of sleep apnoea using a special questionnaire. A close family member or friend who lives with you can also be invited to join the study to support you and provide information.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 50 and 90 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease?
Are you willing and able to take part in study activities at home?
Do you speak and understand English well enough for questionnaires?
If you usually take naps, are you interested in a guided napping routine?
Are you open to being checked for sleep breathing problems if interested in the breathing device?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the first step is a screening visit at Surrey and Borders Partnership in Chertsey. This visit will involve some questionnaires and health checks to make sure the study is right for you. If you're eligible, you'll be given special devices to use at home. These devices will help monitor your sleep and your body's natural daily rhythms.

Depending on your interest and suitability, you could take part in one or both parts of the study – the napping part and/or the breathing device part. Each part lasts for 3 weeks. If you do both, your full involvement will be 6 weeks. During these weeks, you'll need to answer short questionnaires each day, three times a day. If a partner or close family member joins the study with you, they will also answer questions about you and help support you throughout the study. We will come to your home to help you set up and learn how to use the devices.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you could be helping researchers discover new ways to improve sleep and brain function for people with Alzheimer's disease in the future. While this study may not directly benefit you, the knowledge gained is very valuable. We don't expect any serious risks from scheduled naps or using the breathing device, but some people might find adjusting to new routines or using the devices a bit inconvenient. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Chertsey, England

Common questions

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a condition that affects the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, and behaviour over time. This study focuses on people in the early stages.

What is 'prodromal' or 'mild-to-moderate' Alzheimer's?

This refers to the early stages of Alzheimer's where symptoms are noticeable but do not prevent someone from living independently, or where the problems are still manageable.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to poor sleep quality and feeling tired during the day.

Will I have to pay anything to be in the study?

No, all aspects of the study, including devices and visits related to the research, are covered by the study funding. You will not have to pay anything.

What if I decide I don't want to continue with the study?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason. Your decision will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Joshua Cudworth

joshua.cudworth@sabp.nhs.uk +44 (0)300 5555 222 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.