Wellness Wednesday: Texas scientist looking for patients with Alzheimer’s disease for sleep research

Scientist Kathy Richards wants to nail down some correlations between poor sleep and Alzheimer’s disease.

From Austin 360:
University of Texas School of Nursing looking for participants in two studies on sleep and Alzheimer’s disease

Research professor and senior research scientist Kathy Richards has been studying the possible connection between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease for decades. She’s heading two studies at the University of Texas School of Nursing which focus on two different aspects of this curious relationship.

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SEEKING PATIENTS: Nighttime Agitation and Restless Leg Syndrome in People with Alzheimer’s Disease Study

This study will look at evening agitation in people with Alzheimer’s disease. This includes periods of behavior at nightfall known as “sundowning” as well as restless legs syndrome, both problems with are common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and which can have an unsettling impact on their ability to fall asleep at night.

To register for the Nighttime Agitation and Restless Leg Syndrome in People with Alzheimer’s Disease Study: narls@utexas.edu or 512.475.7505

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SEEKING PATIENTS: Memories Study

This second year-long phase of this study aims to look more closely at any relationships between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease. They are looking for candidates to fill out four groups. People with mild impairment who : 

1. also have sleep apnea and use CPAP 4+ hours a night
2. also have sleep apnea and use CPAP >4 hours a night
3. also have sleep apnea and don’t use the CPAP at all
4. who don’t have sleep apnea at all

To register for the Memories Study: mmackenzie@utexas.edu or 512.471.9462