Using bright light therapy to improve sleep and cognition in older veterans
Promoting Cognitive Resilience and Reducing Frailty in Older Veterans With Bright Light Therapy
NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05631236
This study tests if bright light therapy can help older veterans sleep better and think more clearly.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development (fed) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kansas City, Missouri and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05631236 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the use of bright light therapy (BLT) to enhance cognitive function and reduce frailty among older veterans aged 65 and above. The study aims to assess the feasibility of BLT in improving sleep quality by resynchronizing the biological clock, which is often disrupted in this population. By focusing on veterans who may experience sleep disturbances and cognitive decline, the trial seeks to establish a foundation for larger studies that could validate BLT as a home-based treatment option. The ultimate goal is to improve the healthspan of older veterans through better sleep and cognitive resilience.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community-dwelling veterans aged 65 and older who may experience sleep disturbances but are relatively healthy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have sleep disturbances or those with severe cognitive impairment or advanced co-morbidities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life for older veterans by improving their sleep and cognitive function.
How similar studies have performed: While bright light therapy has shown promise in improving sleep and cognition in older adults, its specific application in older veterans is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants studied in this project will include 30 men and 5 women of any race who are community dwellers * The investigators seek to recruit relatively healthy individuals that may or may not exhibit early-stage co-morbidities Exclusion Criteria: * The investigators will exclude individuals without sleep disturbances (PSQI \>5) * Are morbidly obese (BMI \> 40) * Exhibit severe or advanced co-morbidities, or have cognitive impairment
Where this trial is running
Kansas City, Missouri and 1 other locations
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO — Kansas City, Missouri, United States (RECRUITING)
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO — Kansas City, Missouri, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bruce R. Troen, MD — Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO
- Study coordinator: Kenneth L Seldeen, PhD
- Email: Kenneth.Seldeen@va.gov
- Phone: (716) 888-4869
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Veteran Aged 65 and Older, sleep, aging, veteran, cognition, dementia, functional capacity, frailty