Using near infrared light to improve cognitive function in older adults
Pilot Intervention With Near Infrared Stimulation: Revitalizing Cognition in Older Adults and Those With Parkinson Disease
NA · University of Florida · NCT03551392
This study is trying to see if near infrared light can help improve thinking and mood in older adults who don’t have dementia.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tucson, Arizona and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03551392 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot intervention tests the effects of near infrared (NIR) stimulation on cognitive and mood changes in nondemented older adults. The study involves a 12-week randomized intervention where participants receive either real or sham NIR stimulation, both transcranially and intranasally. Researchers will evaluate neuroimaging and cognitive outcomes before and after the intervention to determine the efficacy of NIR in enhancing brain health. The study is conducted across multiple sites, including the University of Florida and the University of Arizona.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are nondemented older adults without Mild Cognitive Impairment who can engage in cognitive assessments and are willing to participate in a 12-week intervention.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed dementia or significant cognitive impairment will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved cognitive function and mood in older adults, potentially enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that near infrared stimulation may have neuroprotective effects, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * No evidence of dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment based on cognitive screening (i.e., Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores within normal limits for age , education, and sex using the NACC Uniform Data Set (UDS) norms or Dementia Rating Scale (DRS-2) scores \<5thile), and age-appropriate delayed Story recall (i.e., WMS-III Logical Memory) and confrontation naming (Boston Naming Test) * Able to provide informed consent and perform cognitive and mood measures on a computer * At least 8th grade education and/or ability to read at 8th grade level * Willingness to be randomized to Sham or Real intervention * Can devote 12 weeks to the intervention, and additional time for pre and post testing * On stable doses of major medications; Since some older adults with subjective memory complaints may be prescribed acetylcholinererase inhibitors or related medications by their primary care physicians (i.e., donepezil, rivastigmine, galantaominhe, memantime, or other potential memory-enhancing agent(s), we will not exclude them as long as they have been on stable medications for at least two months and plan to continue this medication during study participation. * Normal functional behavior in terms of daily activities Exclusion Criteria: * Previous major strokes or other known significant brain abnormalities or diseases affecting cognition (i.e., multiple sclerosis, seizure disorder, brain surgery, moderate TBI, etc.). No history of brain surgery. Exceptions are a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease for the PD subgroup. * Unstable and uncontrolled medical conditions (metabolic encephalopathy, HIV, moderate to severe kidney or liver disease) * Current or past history of major psychiatric disturbance including schizophrenia, or active psychosis, bipolar disorder, current major depressive episode, current alcohol or substance abuse or history thereof within the past six months. The study team is not excluding individuals who are taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, however, use of antidepressants and anxiolytics will be recorded and data will be analyzed in post-hoc analyses * Use of antipsychotics, sedatives, or other medications with significant anticholinergic properties (due to potential influence on memory) * Use of photo-sensitive medications such as steroids or retin-A within 15 days of the study intervention * Diagnosis of active cancer * Significant motor or visual disturbance that would prevent one from using a computer or detecting colors * Previous participation in a cognitive training study within the last 3 months or current involvement in another study involving cognitive training or intervention at the time of participation * Inability to undergo brain imaging due to claustrophobia or implants such as pacemakers, heart valves, brain aneurysm clips, orthodontics, non-removable body jewelry, or shrapnel containing ferromagnetic metal
Where this trial is running
Tucson, Arizona and 1 other locations
- University of Arizona — Tucson, Arizona, United States (RECRUITING)
- University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dawn Bowers, Ph.D. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Dawn Bowers, Ph.D.
- Email: dawnbowers@Phhp.ufl.edu
- Phone: 352-273-5270
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: Aging, Cognitive Aging, Photobiomodulation, Low Level Light Therapy, Near Infrared Light, Neuromodulation