About the study
Sleep plays an important role in human physiology and memory consolidation. By targeting components of sleep structure, certain sleeping medications have been shown to improve learning and memory in healthy young adults. However, the effects on memory have not yet been studied in older adults. You are invited to participate in an exciting study that investigates the potential effects of a commonly prescribed medications on memory in ageing.
What's involved
With your consent, we will discuss the study with you and answer any questions you may have. If you agree to participate in the study, we will assess your suitability to take part by asking you some questions over the phone. If you are eligible to proceed, we will invite you to attend a screening visit where you will have some cognitive tests to confirm your eligibility and trial the high-density EEG sensor net cap.
This randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study involves a 15-minute structural brain MRI scan at iMed Radiology, Brain and Mind Centre, Camperdown and two overnight visits to the sleep laboratory at the Woolcock Institute in Glebe. The overnight visits will involve memory testing before and after a sleep study and the visits will be separated by 1 week. You will be randomized to receive either the drug (sleeping medication) or placebo which you will take just prior to bedtime.
Visits required
2
Eligibility criteria
- Aged 50-75 years
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Ability to perform neurobehavioural tasks
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Ability to give informed consent
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Fluent in English
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Willingness to comply with all study procedures and available for the duration of the study
Chief investigator: Dr Angela D’Rozario (non-medical); Prof Ron Grunstein (medical)
Ethics approvals:
This study has been approved by the Southern Local Health District (SLHD) Research Ethics Committee (X19-0138 & 2019/ETH00569). which is a registered human ethics committee in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct of Human Research (2007) incorporating all updates.
Find out more
Contact: Ms Laura Harris
Call: (02) 9805 3194
Email: laura.harris@woolcock.org.au
