Sleep therapy tested for Alzheimer's brain fog

NCT ID NCT03256539

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a behavioral program using bright light therapy and sleep coaching to improve sleep and thinking in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's. Only 15 people were enrolled before the study was stopped early. The goal was to see if the program was feasible and could help with memory and daily function.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: behavioral sleep intervention (bright light therapy and modified cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a non-drug way to improve sleep and thinking in people with early Alzheimer's.
What could go wrong: This was a very small pilot study (15 people) that was terminated early, so results are limited and may not apply to others.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for AGING are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

AGING ALZHEIMER DISEASE CBT COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT SLEEP

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Locations

UCSF

San Francisco, California, 94121, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.