Sleep, Cognition and Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease

Senior African American Woman looking tired.

Exploring the intricate relationship between sleep, cognitive function, and the risk of Alzheimer's Disease in older adults. 

Project description

Neurodegeneration and the accumulation of metabolic waste, such as beta-amyloid and tau proteins, are hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease. The glymphatic system, a perivascular system in the brain, removes said metabolic waste during sleep. Consequently, sleep disturbances affect approximately 50% of older adults and are usually associated with cognitive impairment, which affects 10% of those aged ≥ 65 years and 50% of adults ≥ 85 years.

This project focuses on the benefits of dietary supplements (nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3) in improving sleep quality, duration, cognitive function, and serum biomarkers of cognitive function in older adults. 

Project outcome

The project outcomes are as followed:

1.  Determining the benefits of NR supplementation on objective sleep duration and sleep quality.

2. The cognition and interactions with serum biomarkers.

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About a semester; 3-5 months
Start time Fall (August/September)
Spring (January/February)
Summer (May/June) 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project 
Level of collaboration Large group collaboration (4+ students) 
Benefits Academic credit
Work study 
Who is eligible All undergraduate students 

Project mentor

Carleara Weiss

Research Assistant Professor

Nursing

Phone: (716) 829-3261

Email: carleara@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

1. Email the project mentor, sending an updated CV or resume and explaining your interest in this research. Laboratory experience (Biochemistry) is encouraged but not mandatory.

2. Schedule an interview to discuss project participants, goals, and expected outcomes. 

Keywords

Sleep, Cognitive function, Alzheimer's Disease, Biomarkers