Could a sleep apnea implant sharpen minds in down syndrome?
NCT ID NCT04801771
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests a device that stimulates a nerve in the neck to treat sleep apnea in 57 teens and young adults (ages 10-21) with Down syndrome. The goal is to see if better sleep leads to improvements in thinking, attention, and language skills over 12 months. Participants must have had their tonsils removed and have moderate to severe sleep apnea.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) System (implantable device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could improve thinking, attention, and language skills in teens with Down syndrome and sleep apnea.
What could go wrong
This is a small, single-arm study with no placebo group, so results may be less reliable. The device requires surgery and may cause side effects like infection or discomfort.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/ Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States
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Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters/East Virginia Medical School
Norfolk, Virginia, 32507, United States
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Cincinnati Childrens Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
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Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary)
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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University of Texas Southwestern/Children's Hospital of Dallas
Dallas, Texas, 75207, United States
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University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States