Using near-infrared light during sleep to improve blood flow and slow Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: Sleep-dependent mechanisms of improving cerebral blood flow and reducing Alzheimer's disease progression by photobiomodulation with near-infrared light
Funded at Boston VA Research Institute, INC. · NIH-11017854 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using near-infrared light therapy while you sleep could help improve blood flow in the brain and slow down Alzheimer's disease, with the goal of finding a new way to support brain health for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston VA Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $689,892 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081809-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017854 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those who do not have Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how near-infrared light therapy can enhance cerebral blood flow and potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The approach focuses on delivering this light during non-rapid eye movement sleep, which may optimize its effects on brain health. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which this light therapy works, including its impact on nitric oxide production and the clearance of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's. By exploring these mechanisms, the research hopes to establish a new treatment strategy for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel non-invasive treatment that slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improves cognitive function.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of near-infrared light for brain treatment is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in related areas, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston VA Research Institute, INC.
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerashchenko, Dmitry — Boston VA Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gerashchenko, Dmitry
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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.