Effects of gamma light stimulation on brain activity in older adults

Effects of Endogenous Gamma Light Stimulation on Brain Oscillations in Cognitively-normal Older Adults: a Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Study

Not applicable Interventional Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT06715995

This study is testing if daily gamma light stimulation can improve brain activity and thinking skills in healthy older adults aged 55 and up.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taoyuan, Guishan)
Trial IDNCT06715995 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how non-flickering gamma light stimulation affects resting-state EEG rhythms and cognitive function in cognitively healthy older adults aged 55 and above. It aims to address limitations of previous studies by conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with 52 participants. The intervention involves daily light stimulation for four weeks, with assessments of brainwave activity and cognitive performance at multiple time points. The goal is to explore gamma light stimulation as a potential non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive decline.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cognitively healthy older adults aged 55 and above with normal cognitive abilities.

Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological or psychiatric disorders, or those currently using cognitive-affecting medications, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel non-drug approach to enhance cognitive function and potentially delay cognitive decline in aging populations.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored gamma light stimulation, this approach aims to overcome previous limitations, making it a novel and rigorous investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Age over 55 years old.
* 2\. The Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) score is within normal ranges adjusted for age and education.
* 3\. Participants have no history of severe neurological or psychiatric disorders (such as stroke, epilepsy, depression, migraine, etc.) that could affect cognitive function.
* 4\. Participants have not used drugs that may affect cognitive function (e.g., benzodiazepines, anticholinergic medications, etc.).
* 5\. Participants with normal or corrected vision (e.g., glasses or contact lenses) to normal levels.
* 6\. Voluntary to sign the Informed Consent Form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Participants enrolled in any cognitive enhancement study within the past two months.
* 2\. Participants with a history of disease that could affect cognitive function (e.g., cancer, autoimmune diseases, etc.).
* 3\. Pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.

Where this trial is running

Taoyuan, Guishan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions EEG Brain OscillationsAlzheimer&amp#39s DiseaseCognitively Normal Older AdultsEndogenous gammaEEG rhythmsResting-state EEG
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.