Using light therapy to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer's Disease (TRAP-AD)
This study is looking at a gentle light therapy that might help improve thinking skills for people with early signs of Alzheimer's or mild memory problems, and it involves 24 sessions over 8 weeks where some participants will receive the real treatment while others will get a placebo.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10837795 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM), a non-invasive therapy that uses near-infrared light to stimulate brain activity, specifically targeting early cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Participants will undergo 24 sessions of t-PBM over 8 weeks, with some receiving the actual treatment and others receiving a placebo. The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of this therapy in improving cognitive functions and to explore the underlying brain mechanisms involved. The research will be conducted at multiple locations, including New York University and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease or amnestic mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, effective treatment option for patients with early Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar light therapy approaches, suggesting potential efficacy in cognitive improvement.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iosifescu, Dan Vlad — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Iosifescu, Dan Vlad
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.