Rhythmic light to restore brain rhythms and sleep in Alzheimer's and related dementias
The Use of Rhythmic Light Therapy to Entrain Gamma Oscillations and the Circadian System in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)
This work uses specially timed 40 Hz rhythmic light together with circadian-supporting light to help sleep and memory in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906185 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a tailored lighting intervention that combines light timed to your body clock with brief 40 Hz flickering light meant to boost brain gamma rhythms. The team will deliver the lighting in the home/community setting and measure sleep patterns, mood, and cognitive performance over time. The study builds on animal work showing reduced amyloid with 40 Hz light and pilot human data showing increased gamma power and better sleep. If needed, staff will install or support the lighting devices and collect sleep and cognitive testing data during follow-up visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease who live in the community and can tolerate light-based interventions are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, severe vision loss, photosensitive epilepsy, or other conditions that prevent safe light exposure may not receive benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve sleep, mood, and memory for people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's and might reduce Alzheimer's-related brain changes over time.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies showed reduced amyloid with 40 Hz light and small human pilots reported increased gamma power and improved sleep, but larger controlled trials are still needed.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Figueiro, Mariana Gross — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Figueiro, Mariana Gross
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.