Using Light Therapy for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Part of paid clinical trials in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Sponsor
University of Oklahoma
Study ID
NCT07651787
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Amyloid Pathology
  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
55 Years - 95 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Active Vielight Neuro RX-Duo device -Active transcranial photobiomodulation — DEVICE
    The active Vielight Neuro RX-Duo devices (© Vielight Inc.) will be used to transmit pulsed near-infrared (NIR) energy through the cranium. The device emits NIR photons at an 810-nm wavelength, generating \~250 mW/cm² of pulsed NIR power modulated at 10 and 40 Hz frequencies (Alpha and Gamma modes). The six NIR light sources are positioned along the midline over the frontal, parietal, and occipital cortices, bilaterally over the temporal cortices, and intranasally. Because of their portable design, Vielight Neuro RX-Duo instruments can be used in the laboratory, at the bedside, or in the participant's home. Active photobiomodulation sessions will last 20 minutes and will be administered in a laboratory, home, or office setting, depending on participant preference. TPBM will be delivered once per day, six times per week, for 12 weeks. Participants will complete an adverse-events questionnaire after each session.
  • Sham Vielight Neuro RX-Duo device -Sham transcranial photobiomodulation — DEVICE
    Sham Vielight Neuro RX-Duo devices (© Vielight Inc.) will be used. These devices are identical in appearance to the active devices; however, they do not emit near-infrared (NIR) light at an 810-nm wavelength. The six light sources are positioned along the midline over the frontal, parietal, and occipital cortices; bilaterally over the temporal cortices; and intranasally. Because of their portable design, Vielight Neuro RX-Duo instruments can be used in the laboratory, at the bedside, or in the participant's home. Sham photobiomodulation sessions will last 20 minutes and will be administered in a laboratory, home, or office setting, depending on participant preference. TPBM will be delivered once per day, six times per week, for 12 weeks. Participants will complete an adverse-events questionnaire after each session.

Study Details

The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using near-infrared light, can improve brain blood flow regulation (neurovascular coupling) and cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does tPBM enhance cognitive function and cerebral hemodynamic responses during memory and finger tapping tasks? * Does tPBM reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitigate brain cell damage? * Is cognitive improvement linked to amyloid status, greater cerebral hemodynamic response, and lower levels of brain inflammation and oxidative stress? Researchers will compare an active tPBM treatment arm to a sham treatment arm to see if tPBM leads to measurable improvements in brain activity and cognitive function compared to no active stimulation. Participants will: * Receive a 20-minute-long active tPBM or sham stimulation session once per day, 6 times per week, for 12 weeks. * Complete questionnaires and an iPad-based cognitive testing protocol. * Complete memory and motor tasks while their brain activity is measured using non-invasive techniques: simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG). Dynamic analysis of the vessels in the eye will also be performed based on eligibility. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) flowmetry is optionally performed. * Provide blood samples to test for biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and brain cell damage.

Key Dates

Start date
Oct 1, 2025
Status verified
Jun 2026
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2026
Completion
Dec 31, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
40 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Active near-infrared light therapy
    Participants in this arm will receive 20-minute active transcranial photobiomodulation sessions six times a week for 12 weeks during their participation in the study. The intervention will be administered using an active Vielight Neuro RX-Duo, a research version of a commercially available light therapy device categorized as a wellness product with non-significant risk. During these sessions, biologically effective near-infrared light will be administered.
  • Sham Comparator: Sham near-infrared light therapy
    Participants in this arm will receive 20-minute sham transcranial photobiomodulation sessions six times a week for 12 weeks during their participation in the study. The intervention will be administered using a sham Vielight Neuro RX-Duo, a research version of a commercially available light therapy device categorized as a wellness product with non-significant risk. During these sessions, biologically effective near-infrared light will not be administered.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in cortical neurovascular coupling [ Time Frame: From baseline visit to the follow-up visit after completing a 12 week intervention protocol ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
University of Oklahoma Health CampusOklahoma CityOklahoma73104
Leslie Guthery, MS
[email protected]
405-271-4113
OUHSC Director Office of H.R.P.P.
+1 (405) 271 2045
Peter Mukli, MD, PhD (PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR)
Calin Prodan, MD (PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR)

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By research site
University of Oklahoma Health Campus· Oklahoma City, OK

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