Light therapy for patients with Alzheimer's disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of rhythmic light therapy on patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups to experience different lighting conditions, including both active and placebo light treatments. The intervention involves exposure to narrowband blue light designed to stimulate circadian rhythms, compared to a placebo red light. Assessments will be conducted weekly over an 8-week period to evaluate cognitive function and sleep quality.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants must be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease, as defined by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score between 17 and 25;
* Have sleep disturbance indicated by a score \>5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
* Participants must reside in their homes, independent living, or assisted living facilities

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants taking sleep medication
* Residence in a skilled nursing facility or long-term care
* Obstructing cataracts, macular degeneration, and blindness
* Severe sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
* History of severe epilepsy

Where it's running

• Light and Health Research Center
  Menands, New York, United States Recruiting
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mariana Figueiro, PhD — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Study coordinator: Barbara Plitnick, BSN
• Email: barbara.plitnick@mountsinai.org
• Phone: 518-242-4603

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.