Flickering Light for Mild Cognitive Impairment
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how different types of flickering light might assist people with mild cognitive impairment, a condition where memory or thinking skills are weaker than normal. Participants will experience three types of light: one with two rhythms, one with a single rhythm, and one that flickers randomly. The goal is to determine if any of these lights, specifically through Rhythmic Light Therapy, can enhance brain activity and improve cognitive performance. This trial suits those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment but without epilepsy or serious vision issues. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in cognitive health.
What prior data suggests that this rhythmic light therapy is safe for mild cognitive impairment?
Research shows that 40 Hz flickering light is safe for people. Studies have found that this type of light does not significantly increase the risk of side effects and is generally well-tolerated, even by people with Alzheimer's disease. One study found that using 40 Hz light therapy can be safe and might help these patients.
Early clinical trials on flickering light at 40 Hz have shown promising results without major safety concerns. A recent study indicated that this type of light can reduce Alzheimer's disease symptoms and is safe for short-term use.
Overall, both dual-frequency and single-frequency flickering lights appear safe based on current research. However, as with any treatment, individual health conditions should be considered, and consultation with healthcare providers is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about rhythmic light therapy for mild cognitive impairment because it offers a non-invasive and innovative approach. Unlike traditional treatments focusing on medications, this therapy uses flickering light at specific frequencies to potentially stimulate brain activity. One arm uses dual frequencies (10 Hz and 40 Hz), while another uses a single frequency (10 Hz), which could uniquely interact with brain waves related to cognitive function. This method could offer a fresh way to address cognitive challenges without relying on drugs, sparking hope for new interventions in brain health.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for mild cognitive impairment?
This trial will compare different types of flickering light therapy for mild cognitive impairment. Research has shown that flickering light therapy might help with mild memory problems. Specifically, studies found that flashing lights at 40 times per second can increase brain activity and even improve brain structure in people with Alzheimer's disease. This type of light supports healthy brain patterns and reduces harmful proteins linked to memory issues. Meanwhile, lights flashing at 10 times per second have helped older adults with memory recognition. These findings suggest that rhythmic light therapy could enhance brain function and memory, leading to better cognitive performance. Participants in this trial will experience either dual frequency flickering light, single frequency flickering light, or non-rhythmic flickering light as part of the study's treatment arms.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Mariana Figueiro, PhD
Principal Investigator
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment, as indicated by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of 18-25. It's designed to see if rhythmic light therapy can improve their cognitive function.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo EEG recordings before, during, and after each of three 1-hour sessions with different visual stimulation conditions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Rhythmic Light Therapy
Trial Overview
Participants will experience three types of light stimulation: dual-frequency (10 and 40 Hz), single-frequency (40 Hz), and non-rhythmic. Their brain activity will be monitored via EEG to assess changes in neural synchrony and potential cognitive improvements.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Light flickering with 10 Hz visual stimulation
Light flickering with 10 Hz + 40 Hz visual stimulation
Light flickering with random visual stimulation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Flickering red-light stimulus for promoting coherent 40 Hz ...
Coherent 40 Hz (gamma) neural oscillation indicates healthy brain activity and is known to be disrupted in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.
The safety and efficacy of gamma frequency auditory and ...
The meta-analysis results indicate that 40 Hz light stimulation significantly improves brain structural changes in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) ...
Study on the Effect of 40 Hz Non-Invasive Light Therapy ...
The results from this study will increase the understanding of the impact of gamma oscillations in the human brain, and how it can be utilized as a novel and ...
Therapeutic potential of 40 Hz flickering light stimulation in ...
Non-invasive 40 Hz flickering light stimulation (FLS) was initially reported to drive gamma oscillations in the visual cortex (VC) and reduce Aβ ...
A Feasibility Study of AlzLife 40 Hz Sensory Therapy ...
Non-invasive 40 Hz sensory therapy delivered through light and sound has previously shown promise in improving cognition in Alzheimer Disease (AD) rodent ...
The safety and efficacy of gamma frequency auditory and ...
Regarding safety, the analysis reveals that 40 Hz light stimulation does not significantly increase the risk of total adverse events (RR ...
Brain stimulation with 40 Hz heterochromatic flicker ...
This study introduces a new kind of heterochromatic flicker based on spectral combinations of blue, cyan, green, lime, amber, and red (BCGLAR).
Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of 40Hz Sensory ...
These encouraging results justify further development of 40Hz sensory stimulation as a safe and potentially disease-modifying therapy for AD patients.
Gamma sensory stimulation in mild Alzheimer's dementia: An ...
Physical exercise during exposure to 40-Hz light flicker improves cognitive functions in the 3xTg mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
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