Safety and Feasibility of Sodium Oxybate in Mild Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Study inclusion:

1. Ages 50 to 65 years

2. Diagnosis of mild AD according to NINCDS-ACDRA criteria and a CDR scale score of 1.0 indicating mild dementia

3. May be on approved AI's, but on a stable dose > 3 months prior to baseline and maintain dosage for duration of the study

4. A reliable caregiver, who must reside with the patient, must be present and available for the duration of the study and must attend all study visits and spend the night in the sleep center for Night 3 for the baseline visit. Overnight stays for all other PSG procedures is optional for the caregiver

5. Complaint of sleep disturbance as measured by a score of >5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

6. Fluent in the English language

7. Able to comprehend and comply with all study related procedures

1. Previous history and diagnosis of a sleep disorder (such as sleep apnea, periodic limb movements, primary insomnia, or narcolepsy)

2. On screening polysomnogram (PSG) an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) > 15/hr using CMS criteria, oxygen desaturation < 80%, or periodic limb movement arousal index > 10/hr.

3. Current unstable major medical or psychiatric disorder (unrelated to dementia)

4. A history of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency

5. History of seizure disorder or major affective disorder

6. History of substance abuse

7. Poor gait and coordination

8. Currently taking CNS depressants, stimulants, or other medications in the opinion of the investigator that may affect sleep architecture (other than approved AI therapy). Consistent with study drug labeling, patients taking sedative/hypnotics and unable to washout of those medications at least 7 half-lives prior to completion of initial screening will be excluded.

9. Typically consume > 600 mg caffeine in a 24 hour period and/or unwilling to refrain from caffeine consumption within 4 hours of bedtime

10. Any patient, in the opinion of the investigator, that would not be appropriate for participation in the study