Pharmacological Enhancement of Glymphatic Function in Humans

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.

NCT Number	NCT07432997
Lead Sponsor	Applied Cognition Collaborators: Stanford University, Washington State University
Conditions	Alzheimer Disease
Enrollment	31 participants
Start Date	2023-12-11
Primary Completion	2024-09-13 (estimated)
Study Completion	2024-09-13 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-02-25