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You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Research teams at the University of Florida (UF) and University of Arizona (UA) are testing a potentially beneficial therapeutic intervention in older adults who are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The intervention involves presentation of near infrared (NIR) light via light emitting diodes, aka photobiomodulation over the head and with special lights placed inside the nose.
Researchers will evaluate whether exposure to NIR stimulation will have beneficial effects on brain health and improved cognitive performance.
This study will include 168 older adults with memory complaints, and a first-degree family history of Alzheimer’s disease.
Participants will complete “lab” and “home” sessions, and a 3-month post-intervention follow-up.
The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the usefulness of a brain health intervention known as low-level light therapy or near-infrared photobiomodulation. This type of light is invisible and is something you are exposed to every day when you walk around outside. Prior research has found that younger adults, individuals with traumatic brain injury, and older adults including those with Alzheimer’s disease experienced positive effects on tasks of thinking and memory after receiving various doses of near-infrared light stimulation.
Researchers now want to learn whether healthy older adults with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease might benefit from this type of near infrared light intervention.
Participants will start by undergoing screening with memory and thinking, mood, and other questionnaires.
If participants meet study criteria, they will move forward to participate in the intervention, which involves placing light emitting diodes over your head and special lights inside your nose.
The intervention lasts 12 weeks and involves near infrared light. This form of light is naturally occurring in daily life, but participants will receive more focused exposure in this study.
Participants will come to the lab for 16 sessions and do ‘at home’ stimulation using special devices. Before and after the intervention, participants will receive memory and thinking, mood tests, undergo a brain scan, and provide a blood sample.
Finally, there is a 3-month follow-up involving a set of memory and thinking, and mood measures.