UAB Receives $3.4 Million Grant for Study on Sleep and Cognitive Health in Older Adults with HIV

S. Justin Thomas, Ph.D., from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been awarded a $3.4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging and the Office of AIDS Research. This funding will support a study examining the effects of insomnia treatment on cognitive health in older adults living with HIV.

The five-year, multi-site study, titled “The Impact of Brief Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia on Cognition and Sleep Health in Older Adults with HIV,” will enroll 240 adults diagnosed with HIV and insomnia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatments to assess how each approach influences their sleep and cognitive health. Thomas serves as co-principal investigator alongside UAB colleagues David Vance, Ph.D., Shu Chen, Ph.D., and Shameka Cody, Ph.D., who is the primary and corresponding principal investigator.

This project builds on previous research that explored the connection between sleep and pain in individuals with HIV. It will specifically investigate the impact of brief behavioral therapy for insomnia (BBTi). Thomas stated, “We’ve been exploring BBTi in people with HIV for several years. Dr. Cody and I wanted to specifically examine how BBTi affects sleep and cognitive function in older adults with HIV, a group that faces a disproportionately high prevalence of insomnia.”

The study aims to determine whether BBTi leads to greater and sustained reductions in insomnia symptoms along with improvements in cognitive function. Additionally, Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers will be analyzed to see if enhancements in sleep correlate with reduced neurodegenerative risk. Thomas highlighted the notable challenge of insomnia in the HIV population, where rates are at least twice those of the general public.

“BBTi is effective and highly accessible,” he noted. “It can be delivered via telemedicine or even phone visits, making it a practical solution for patients with limited access to care.”

Beyond the research objectives, the project also aims to enhance clinical resources. Thomas expressed hope that the findings will encourage wider adoption of BBTi in HIV care settings. “If we demonstrate improvements in sleep and cognition, this could support BBTi as a reimbursable service with significant implications for the overall health of this population,” he added. “The intervention is brief and cost-effective and has the potential to outperform medication in the long run.”

Written by: Elena Potter