Transcranial photobiomodulation plus cognitive training for memory in aMCI
Official title: The Effects of Transcranial Photobiomodulation (t-PBM) on Cognitive Performance and Functional Brain Connectivity in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment and the Role of Genetic Factors
Run by Uskudar University · NCT07287527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will see if adding transcranial photobiomodulation (a low‑level light therapy) to cognitive training helps people aged 55 and older with amnestic mild cognitive impairment improve memory and thinking.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Uskudar University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Istanbul and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 30, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07287527 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 55 or older with a confirmed diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment who can undergo MRI and attend eight in‑person intervention sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with other neurological disorders, severe psychiatric illness, or MRI‑incompatible implanted medical devices (for example pacemakers) are unlikely to be eligible and may not receive benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, sham‑controlled, pretest‑posttest trial enrolls older adults with amnestic MCI and assigns them to active transcranial photobiomodulation (t‑PBM) plus a standardized cognitive rehabilitation program or to sham t‑PBM with the same training. The intervention is delivered across eight in‑person sessions while participants complete cognitive testing and resting‑state fMRI before the first session and after the final session to measure changes in cognition and default mode network connectivity. Blood is collected for genetic profiling and diet is monitored at baseline and follow‑up to reduce confounding. The design focuses on Group × Time effects to determine whether active t‑PBM produces larger cognitive or connectivity changes than sham.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the combined t‑PBM and cognitive training approach could improve memory and modify brain network activity, potentially slowing decline associated with Alzheimer's risk.
How similar studies have gone: Small and preliminary human studies have shown some promising cognitive or connectivity changes with t‑PBM, but controlled evidence in aMCI is limited and results remain preliminary.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 55 years or older * Diagnosis of amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a neurological disorder * Presence of a severe psychiatric disorder * Having a pacemaker or other implanted medical device that is not MRI-compatible
Where it's running
-
NPIstanbul Brain Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting -
Uskudar University, Faculty of Medicine
Istnabul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Baris Metin, Prof. Dr. — Uskudar University
- Study coordinator: Shams Farhad, PhD
- Email: shams.farhad@uskudar.edu.tr
- Phone: +905528566917
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Digital platform for early detection of Alzheimer-related memory impairment
The platform will be tested to see if combining EEG, eye-tracking, and blood flow sensors can detect early memory-related cognitive impairment in people aged 55–80.
-
Improving sleep to enhance cognition in early Alzheimer's disease using trazodone
This study is testing if the sleep medication trazodone can help improve sleep and memory in people with early Alzheimer's disease who have trouble sleeping.
-
Light-targeted balance training to improve balance and reduce fear of falling
This trial tests whether light-targeted balance training helps people with a history of falls improve balance and functional performance, and feel less afraid of falling, compared with standard balance training.
-
Multichannel neuromuscular stimulation plus core exercise for chronic low back pain
This study tests two multichannel neuromuscular electrical stimulation programs added to a core exercise plan to see if they help adults with chronic non-specific low back pain.
-
Core endurance vs segmental stabilization for low back pain in recreational athletes
This trial tests whether core endurance exercises or segmental stabilization exercises better help recreational athletes with non-specific low back pain.
-
Muscle Energy Technique to improve neck function and range of motion for people with non-specific neck pain
This study will test whether Muscle Energy Technique helps adults aged 18–65 with non-specific neck pain reduce disability and improve neck range of motion.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.