Could a sleep apnea implant sharpen minds in down syndrome?

NCT ID NCT04801771

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Down syndrome obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DOWN SYNDROME OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/ Emory University School of Medicine

Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States
Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters/East Virginia Medical School

Norfolk, Virginia, 32507, United States
Cincinnati Childrens Hospital

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary)

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
University of Texas Southwestern/Children's Hospital of Dallas

Dallas, Texas, 75207, United States
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States

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