Using light therapy to improve blood flow in the brains of Alzheimer's patients
Official title: Using Photobiomodulation to Alleviate Brain Hypoperfusion in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11077849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how light therapy might help improve blood flow in the brains of people with Alzheimer's by targeting a specific protein, with the hope that this could boost brain function and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $582,147 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081874-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those experiencing cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or those without significant cognitive deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how light therapy, specifically photobiomodulation, can improve blood flow in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The study focuses on a specific protein that may play a role in brain health and aims to understand how inhibiting this protein can enhance blood circulation and cognitive function. By using a non-invasive light treatment, the researchers hope to restore normal brain function and reduce memory deficits associated with Alzheimer's. The research will be conducted using a mouse model that mimics Alzheimer's disease to gather insights that could eventually benefit human patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-invasive treatments that improve cognitive function and quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar light therapy approaches in other neurological conditions, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Hung Wen (Kevin) — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Lin, Hung Wen (Kevin)
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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.