Grant: Project Grant

Background: Changes in sleep are the earliest indicator of cognitive decline; and have been identified as one of the best potential modifiable and yet-to-be-exploited targets for prevention of dementia. Sleep is important for strengthening newly formed memories. Our previous work has identified potential, yet unexplored, therapeutic targets during sleep (spindles; short bursts of brain activity, characterizing light sleep). Objectives: Older adults lose the benefit that sleep affords to memory in young adults. This deficit is associated with spindles. Melatonin; a natural hormone produced by the brain, is involved in initiating sleep and when taken as an oral supplement, has been found to enhance spindles. We aim to restore the lost benefit of sleep to memory in aging populations at the earliest stages of cognitive decline by boosting spindle production using melatonin. Methods: Here, we will employ cognitive testing, measure brain waves, and employ hormonal interventions in young and older adults to enhance spindles with the aim of restoring normal memory function of sleep. Implications: This research may provide a means to restore the benefit to memory that sleep provides in healthy elderly populations, in at the earliest stages before significant neurodegeneration occurs. Improved cognitive function through better sleep may help to mitigate age-related cognitive decline and to improve quality of life.