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Can a night-time breathing device boost brain power in older vets with lung and sleep troubles?

NCT ID NCT04179981

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether using a positive airway pressure (PAP) machine at night can improve thinking, sleepiness, and quality of life in older veterans (age 60+) who have both COPD and obstructive sleep apnea—a combination called Overlap Syndrome. About 668 participants will be randomly assigned to either PAP therapy or usual care with sleep education. The main focus is on changes in memory, attention, and daily function over time.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
positive airway pressure (PAP) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could show that using a breathing machine at night helps older veterans with both COPD and sleep apnea think clearer, sleep better, and feel better day-to-day.
What could go wrong
This is a large but early-stage trial focused on measuring outcomes, not a cure. Results may show only small improvements, and some people may find the mask uncomfortable or hard to use regularly.

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.

Apnea chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, severe early onset mixed connective tissue disease nervous system disorder obstructive sleep apnea syndrome overlapping connective tissue disease Respiration Disorders respiratory system disorder Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory sleep apnea syndrome Sleepiness

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COPD ELDERLY NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTION OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA OVERLAP SYNDROME POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE QUALITY OF LIFE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME SLEEPINESS

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI

    RECRUITING

    Detroit, Michigan, 48201-1916, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

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