Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 50 and up

Using virtual darkness to reduce agitation in dementia patients

Official title: Virtual Darkness and Digital Phenotyping in Specialized and Municipal Dementia Care: The DARK.DEM Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by University of Bergen · NCT06451952 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using virtual darkness can help reduce agitation in people with dementia.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment72 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Bergen
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Askøy, Erdal)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 30, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT06451952 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients aged 50 and older, diagnosed with dementia of any stage, who exhibit clinically significant agitation.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are totally blind or have significant pain may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of virtual darkness therapy as an adjunctive treatment for agitation in patients with dementia. It aims to develop digital phenotyping by comparing smartwatch data with established psychometric scales for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with at least 72 patients, assessing the feasibility and safety of this innovative approach in a gerontopsychiatric hospital setting. The goal is to enhance treatment options for agitation, which is often resistant to conventional therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a novel, non-pharmacological option to alleviate agitation in dementia patients, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: While some studies have shown positive effects of light therapy on BPSD, the use of virtual darkness as a treatment approach is relatively novel and untested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients refered to NKS Olaviken gerontopsychiatric hospital, both in and outpatient services
* Diagnosis of dementia, all stages and etiologies,
* ≥50 years
* both genders
* Clinically significant agitation (CMAI ≥45)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Total blindness/diminished bilateral red reflex.
* Use of melatonin
* Clinically significant pain (MOBID-2≥3)

Where it's running

  • NKS Olaviken Gerontopsychiatric Hospital
    Askøy, Erdal, Norway
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.