This study is being done to learn whether treating moderate to severe sleep apnea can help improve brain health. Researchers already know that poor sleep and untreated sleep apnea can affect memory and thinking, and may raise certain biological markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease. They want to find out whether using an intervention plan or not can help moderate these risk markers.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 55–85 years

• Untreated moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI4 ≥ 20 events/hour or AHI3A > 40/hour) for at least 6 months.

• Fluent in English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

• No consistent sleeping environment (sleeping in a different setting more than two nights per week)

• Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant

• Near‑miss or prior automobile accident due to sleepiness within the past 12 months

• Employment as a commercial driver (bus driver, train engineer, airplane pilot, etc.)

• Prior diagnosis of a central nervous system disease (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, seizures, etc.)

This study requires two in‑person visits and one week of at‑home sleep tracking at baseline and at 24-months.

In‑Lab Activities

Participants will complete two in‑person visits:

• Visit 1: You will complete a cognitive assessment, answer questionnaires, receive a WatchPAT at‑home sleep test, and wear an actigraphy watch for one week to track sleep and activity.

• Visit 2: You will complete an overnight polysomnography sleep study, have a blood draw, and complete a short cognitive assessment.

Data collected during these visits may include sleep measurements, cognitive scores, and blood biomarkers related to Alzheimer’s disease.

At‑Home Activities

• You will complete a WatchPAT sleep test at home.

• You will wear an actigraphy watch for one week to track sleep and movement (sitting, standing, lying down) and complete sleep questionnaires.

Participants may receive up to $500 in compensation for their time. 

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.