Research Center: Stanford University School of Medicine
Location: 1520 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Lead Researcher: Dr. Andrea Goldstein-Piekarski
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Stanford Institutional Review Board

About the Study

Are you experiencing problems with sleep and memory? Sleep is essential and influences more than we think. Research has shown that sleep can affect emotions as well as overall brain function. This is why people who struggle with sleep difficulties (i.e., insomnia) may experience memory lapses, anxiety, depression, agitation, irritation, and apathy. It is also why people with sleep and memory challenges, especially older people who are at-risk for developing conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease, need to be given proper interventions.

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine are conducting a research study that may help older people who have sleep and memory struggles. This study seeks to understand how sleep disruption affects overall brain function among older people experiencing memory problems. Through this research study, researchers may develop preventative strategies and treatments among older people who have issues with sleep and memory.

Why Participate? 

• Eligible participants will be enrolled in the study treatment program and receive one of two sleep therapies (either Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia or Desensitization Therapy for Insomnia). 
• Participants may experience improvements in their sleep, mood and memory. 
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit other older adults who have sleep and memory problems in the future.
• Participants will be compensated up to $450 for participating in this study.
• Participants will be helping to advance sleep & brain health research.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

Who Can Participate?

• Individuals aged 50-90 who are experiencing sleep problems (i.e., insomnia) for at least 3 months
• Must be experiencing problems with their memory
• Must have a study partner willing to participate in this study with them. This can be a family member, friend, or caregiver that the interested individual regularly sees
• Participants must be able to attend 10 in-person study visits (4 two-part assessment sessions and 6 treatment sessions) over 9 months

Key Study Details 

Participation in this study includes but is not limited to:

• Completing daily sleep reports about sleep patterns
• Answering questions about sleep, mood, and behavior
• 2 MRIs, 4 PSG sleep recordings, 1 saliva sample, cognitive tasks

About the Research Center:

Stanford University

Fueled by optimism, ingenuity, and a sense of responsibility, Stanford seeks to accelerate its purposeful impact in the world. Their vision amplifies Stanford’s contributions through a new model for research universities: accelerating the creation and application of knowledge to tackle the world’s great problems, anchoring research and education in ethics and civic responsibility, and promoting access and inclusion.

Please note:
The research staff has implemented precautions to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.