Light Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if a special kind of light therapy, known as Active Lighting Intervention, can enhance well-being and improve sleep and mood in people with Alzheimer's disease. Participants will receive either active lighting that stimulates the body's natural rhythms or a placebo light that does not. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementia who experience sleep difficulties. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the quality of life for those with Alzheimer's.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants do not use sleep medication or oral melatonin, so you would need to stop these if you are currently taking them.
What prior data suggests that this light therapy is safe for Alzheimer's patients?
Research has shown that light therapy is generally well-tolerated by people with dementia. In a small, carefully conducted study, bright light therapy reduced restlessness and sleep problems without causing significant side effects. Another study found that bright light therapy improved mood and thinking skills in older adults more effectively than regular lighting, again without notable negative effects. These findings suggest that light therapy could be a safe option for people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions. However, as with any treatment, individual experiences may differ, so discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider is important.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Active Lighting Intervention for Alzheimer's Disease because it offers a novel approach by using light to stimulate the circadian system, potentially improving sleep and cognitive function. Unlike traditional treatments that primarily involve medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, this method leverages the natural influence of light on biological rhythms. By providing customizable light delivery options, it allows for a tailored approach that could enhance daily functioning and quality of life without the side effects typically associated with pharmaceutical options.
What evidence suggests that this light therapy is effective for Alzheimer's disease?
Studies have shown that light therapy can help people with Alzheimer's disease. Research indicates that bright light therapy improves sleep and reduces restlessness in people with dementia. One study found that bright light therapy worked better than regular lighting to improve thinking skills and reduce behavioral issues in older adults. In this trial, participants will receive either an Active Lighting Intervention, designed to stimulate the circadian system, or a Control Lighting Intervention, which does not stimulate the circadian system. Light therapy has also led to better sleep and mood with fewer side effects. These findings suggest that personalized light therapy might help manage symptoms in Alzheimer's patients.12346
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 Alzheimer's Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment. Participants will be involved in a study for 6 months, where they'll experience different lighting conditions to see how it affects their sleep, cognition, and mood.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either the active Tailored Lighting Intervention (TLI) or placebo for 6 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Active Lighting Intervention
Trial Overview
The study tests the effects of Tailored Lighting Intervention (TLI) versus placebo lighting on patients' circadian systems. It aims to understand if specific light exposure can improve sleep and cognitive functions in Alzheimer's patients.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
Combining spectrum and light level, the active TLI will allow the researchers to use a light source that will stimulate the circadian system and provide the participants with options as to how the light treatment will be delivered.
The control TLI will allow the researchers to use a light source that will not stimulate the circadian system and provide the participants with options as to how the light treatment will be delivered.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
Citations
Brain photobiomodulation: a potential treatment in Alzheimer's ...
Preclinical investigations demonstrated that brain photobiomodulation (bPBM) reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, increases cerebral blood ...
Bright light therapy for agitation in dementia: a randomized ...
Results: There was limited evidence of reduction in agitation in people on active treatment, sleep was improved and a suggestion of greater efficacy in the ...
Pilot Study of the Effects of Bright Ambient Therapy on ...
In this pilot study, bright light therapy was more effective than general lighting at improving BPSD and cognitive function among older adults ...
The effect of light therapy on sleep disorders and ...
Light therapy leads to significant improvement in sleep and psychobehavioral symptoms and is associated with relatively fewer side effects in patients with AD.
5.
alzheimers.org.uk
alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/treatments/alternative-therapies/light-therapy-and-dementiaLight therapy and dementia
One small but well-conducted study showed promising effects of bright light therapy on restlessness and disturbed sleep for people with dementia. A large and ...
Photobiomodulation for Improving Brain Function in ...
Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes a kind of light therapy that uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect tissue that has ...
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