RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05776641

Gamma Light and Sound Stimulation to Prevent Dementia in Cognitively Normal People At Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease Using Gamma Entrainment


Sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Enrollment

200 participants

Start Date

Jan 10, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by significant memory loss, toxic protein deposits (amyloid and tau) in the brain, and changes in the gamma frequency band on EEG. Gamma waves are important for memory, and in patients with AD, there are fewer gamma waves in the brain. The Tsai lab found that boosting gamma waves in AD mouse models using light and sound stimulation at 40Hz not only reduced amyloid and tau in the brain, but also improved memory. A light and sound device was developed for humans that stimulates the brain at 40Hz that can be used safely at home. The goal of this study is to see if using this device can prevent dementia in people who are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.


Eligibility

Min Age: 55 YearsMax Age: 90 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This trial is testing whether daily exposure to flickering light and sound at a frequency of 40 Hz (called gamma stimulation) can prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer's disease in people who are currently cognitively normal but are at higher genetic risk. This non-invasive sensory stimulation approach has shown promise in animal studies for reducing toxic amyloid plaques in the brain. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 55 and 90 years old - You have an immediate family member with Alzheimer's disease - You are currently cognitively normal (based on standard memory and cognition tests) - You have elevated amyloid in the brain detected by a specific PET scan (PiB PET), suggesting early biological changes associated with Alzheimer's - Your blood amyloid level is low **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You already show signs of cognitive decline or early dementia - Your brain amyloid levels are outside the specified range - You have other neurological conditions - You have epilepsy or a history of seizures triggered by light Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICEGENUS

Participants will use the GENUS light and sound device at home for 60 minutes daily for 12 months


Locations(2)

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

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NCT05776641


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