COGSLEEP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the relationship between cognitive fluctuations, sleep and arousal in dementia with Lewy bodies
IRAS ID
246863
Contact name
Lyndsey Dixon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second to third most common form of dementia. A core symptom of DLB is cognitive fluctuations, which refers to brief episodes of confusion, and problems with attention and communication. This symptom can have a negative impact upon patients and their carers/families. Whilst up to 90% of people with DLB have the symptom of cognitive fluctuations, it is not currently known what causes them and this prevents the accurate and reliable measurement of this symptom.
Overall, the aims of this project are to: 1) better understand cognitive fluctuations, by measuring changes in attention and thinking over an extended period of time, and 2) examine whether sleep/sleepiness is associated with cognitive
fluctuations, given the close relationship between sleep and attention/memory.Twenty-four people with DLB, 24 with Alzheimer’s dementia and 24 control individuals, will complete attention, memory and sleep assessments. We will also measure their cognitive fluctuations and sleep habits using questionnaires and computerised tests over one week. People will also complete a laboratory visit where they will complete a range of computerised attention tests, and a short, non-invasive type of brain stimulation assessment, whilst having their brain activity measured.
Overall, this study will help us to: 1) understand the cause of cognitive fluctuations in DLB; 2) develop more sensitive clinical and research tools to measure cognitive flucutations, and 3) examine whether sleep is an important contributor to this symptom.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EE/0223
Date of REC Opinion
2 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion