Using non-invasive light therapy to improve cognitive function in older adults
Official title: Non-invasive lighting treatment as a novel therapeutic for age-related cognitive decline
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10843281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special flickering light therapy might help older adults with memory and thinking problems by improving their sleep patterns and brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,012 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG082436-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10843281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or at risk for dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable cognitive function or those who do not experience age-related cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how non-invasive flickering light therapy can help restore circadian rhythms and improve cognitive function in older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline. The study focuses on understanding the relationship between disrupted circadian rhythms, blood-brain barrier integrity, and cognitive health. By applying a novel lighting technology that emits flickering gamma light, the researchers aim to enhance brain function and protect against cognitive deterioration. The approach is based on previous findings in animal models and seeks to translate these results to human applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar light therapy approaches in animal models, but this application in humans is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kriegsfeld, Lance J — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Kriegsfeld, Lance J
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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.