Sleep drug tested to stop Alzheimer's before it starts

NCT ID NCT04629547

Recruiting now Prevention Sponsor: University of Minnesota Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 5 times

Summary

This study tests whether taking the sleep medication suvorexant (Belsomra) nightly for two years can slow the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will enroll 200 healthy adults aged 65 and older with no signs of dementia. The goal is to see if improving sleep can reduce Alzheimer's risk.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: suvorexant (Belsomra)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to delay or prevent Alzheimer's by improving sleep.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 2 trial with only 200 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug may not slow brain changes, and sleep aids can have side effects like drowsiness.

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.

insomnia Plaque, Amyloid sleep disorder Alzheimer disease prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALZHEIMER DISEASE SLEEP

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University School of Medicine
RECRUITING

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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