Pharmacological Enhancement of Glymphatic Function in Humans

Part of paid clinical trials in Stanford, California.

Sponsor
Applied Cognition
Study ID
NCT07432997
Phase
PHASE1/PHASE2
Status
Completed

Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
55 Years - 65 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Dexmedetomidine — DRUG
    Treatment
  • Dexmedetomidine and Midodrine — DRUG
    Treatment
  • Placebo — OTHER
    Placebo

Study Details

Alzheimer's disease is linked in part to the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, including amyloid and tau. Most current treatments aim to remove these proteins directly. This study explores a different approach: helping the brain clear waste more effectively during sleep. The investigators will test whether certain medications can safely boost the brain's natural "cleaning system," known as the glymphatic system, in healthy older adults. Participants will receive controlled sleep treatments and blood tests to measure protein clearance. If successful, this strategy could support new therapies that work alongside existing Alzheimer's treatments.

Key Dates

Start date
Dec 11, 2023
Status verified
Feb 2026
Primary completion
Sep 13, 2024
Completion
Sep 13, 2024

Study Design

Enrollment
31 participants (actual)
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Placebo Comparator: Dexmedetomidine Cross-Over Placebo
  • Active Comparator: Dexmedetomidine Cross-Over Treatment
  • Active Comparator: Dexmedetomidine & Midodrine Cross-Over Treatment
  • Placebo Comparator: Dexmedetomidine & Midodrine Cross-Over Placebo

Primary Outcome Measure

Mean change from baseline in plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio following dexmedetomidine treatment [ Time Frame: Pre/post 4-hour sleep period ]

Locations (2)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Stanford University Medical CenterStanfordCalifornia94305-
Washington State UniversitySpokaneWashington99164-

Find similar trials in Stanford, CA

By condition
Alzheimer's disease
By specialty
NeurologyDementia careBrain disordersGeriatrics
By research site
Stanford University Medical Center· Stanford, CAWashington State University· Spokane, WA

Related Studies