Sleep and memory boost? citicoline supplement tested in Alzheimer's prevention trial
NCT ID NCT06029894
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed pilot study from Emory University tested whether a daily citicoline supplement could improve sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and memory in 100 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants took 1000 mg of citicoline for 3 months and completed sleep questionnaires, cognitive tests, and blood or spinal fluid tests to measure Alzheimer's-related biomarkers. The goal was to see if this well-tolerated supplement might help both sleep and early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- citicoline (dietary supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple supplement to improve sleep and slow cognitive decline in people with mild memory problems.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early pilot study with no placebo group, so results may not be reliable. The supplement may have no real effect on sleep or Alzheimer's markers.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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100 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2023
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
60 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 60 years or older * Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) * Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score \>5 or Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of ≥ 10 * Read and understand English * Have Internet and email access Exclusion Criteria: * No telephone access * Must not be taking any medication known to affect rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (or sleep architecture in general) * Use of choline supplements. * Epilepsy or head trauma resulting in unconsciousness in the past two years * Known allergic reactions to components of Citicoline * Presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, severe cardiac insufficiency (congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction), type I diabetes, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, liver cirrhosis, thyroid dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic renal failure, severe/unstable psychiatric disorders, moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder * History of alcohol dependence and drug abuse * Night shift workers or those in situations where they regularly experience jet lag or have irregular work schedules
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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
Locations
-
Emory University School of Nursing
Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
-
Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
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