Memory and Sleep Research Study
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are conducting a study in older adults and a study partner to better understand how sleep affects memory and ways to improve it.
Fast Facts
Experiencing Memory and Sleep Difficulties
Adults 55+
Years Old
Compensation
Provided Up To $400
Conducted in
Baltimore, MD
Study Background
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are conducting studies in older adults to understand memory changes, how they develop, and how improving sleep may help.
Memory difficulties and sleep problems in older adults are closely linked, and disruptions in sleep may affect brain systems involved in attention, learning, and emotional well-being. These changes could be related to alterations in brain circuits that support memory and cognitive function.
We aim to learn more about whether improving sleep with an FDA-approved medication can help support memory in older adults who are beginning to experience memory concerns. We also hope to better understand how sleep and memory interact so that we can identify ways to promote healthy aging and potentially prevent further cognitive decline.
Eventually, the findings of this study may help improve approaches for supporting memory, sleep, and overall quality of life in older adults.
Study Background
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are conducting studies in older adults to understand memory changes, how they develop, and how improving sleep may help.
Memory difficulties and sleep problems in older adults are closely linked, and disruptions in sleep may affect brain systems involved in attention, learning, and emotional well-being. These changes could be related to alterations in brain circuits that support memory and cognitive function.
We aim to learn more about whether improving sleep with an FDA-approved medication can help support memory in older adults who are beginning to experience memory concerns. We also hope to better understand how sleep and memory interact so that we can identify ways to promote healthy aging and potentially prevent further cognitive decline.
Eventually, the findings of this study may help improve approaches for supporting memory, sleep, and overall quality of life in older adults.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to understand how sleep problems and memory changes develop in older adults. We aim to better understand how sleep affects the brain systems involved in memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Sleep disturbances are connected to changes in brain networks that support memory consolidation, overall cognitive health, and well-being, and we will measure these brain and behavioral factors throughout the study.
We also want to see whether improving sleep may help support memory. To do this, we are using neuroscience to guide our approach by studying an FDA-approved medication that is widely used to improve sleep and may influence the brain circuits involved in memory.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 55 years old or older
- Experiencing memory difficulties or concerns about memory
- Experiencing sleep problems
- In generally good health with no condition likely to interfere with participation
- Able to undergo an MRI
- Have a study partner who knows you well and can provide information
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of sleep apnea or use of a CPAP machine
- Current use of trazodone
- Use of other sleep medications (unless willing to complete a washout period)
- Serious, unstable medical or neurological conditions
- MRI contraindications (such as non-removable metal in the body, certain implants, or severe claustrophobia)
The entire study lasts 13–15 weeks. Once enrolled, the study involves:
In the lab: You will complete 5 study visits at Johns Hopkins. At each visit, you will complete assessments related to sleep, memory, and overall health. These assessments may include medical evaluations, interviews, questionnaires, cognitive (pencil-and-paper) tests, and MRI scans of your brain.During the study, you will take either trazodone or a placebo in two 4-week periods separated by a 4-week “washout.” Neither you nor the study team will know which you receive first.
From home: You will complete four home sleep studies, each lasting one night, using equipment that records your sleep patterns. You will also wear an actigraph, a wristwatch-like device that tracks movement and sleep, during portions of the study. Additional brief questionnaires about your sleep and daily experiences may also be completed from home.
You will receive compensation for each visit, ranging from $25 to $150. If you complete all five visits, your total compensation will be $400.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.