Gamma Light and Sound Stimulation to Prevent Dementia in Cognitively Normal People at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Eligible age
55–90 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
Yes
See if you qualify for this study
Answer a few quick questions about your location and health. Takes about a minute.
About this study
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.
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital
You may qualify if…
- ✓ 1. Between 55 - 90 years of age, inclusive.
- ✓ 2. Immediate family history of Alzheimer's disease.
- ✓ 3. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) score of 27 or greater at baseline or expected score range for cognitively normal adjusted for education level.
- ✓ 4. Clinical Dementia Rating Global Score of 0 at baseline.
- ✓ 5. Delayed Recall score on the Logical Memory IIa subtest of 8 to 15 at baseline or expected score range for cognitively normal adjusted for education level.
- ✓ 6. Low serum amyloid levels at baseline.
- ✓ 7. Elevated fibrillar amyloid using 11C PiB PET at baseline between 20 - 70 CL.
- ✓ 8. Willing and able to undergo MRI brain and PET brain scans.
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ 1. MRI contraindications, such as presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body.
- ✕ 2. High myopia \< -7 diopters, or untreated cataracts that affect vision.
- ✕ 3. Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition which could lead to difficulty complying with the study protocol.
- ✕ 4. For subjects agreeing to undergo lumbar punctures, history of bleeding disorders or laboratory results indicating low platelet levels are exclusionary for the procedure.
- ✕ 5. Concomitant medications:
- ✕ 1. Treatment with NMDA antagonists.
- ✕ 2. For subjects undergoing lumbar puncture, current use of warfarin or similar anti-coagulants is exclusionary for the procedure.
- ✕ 6. Clinical conditions:
Where it's recruiting
Boston · Cambridge
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05776641 · last updated 2026-06-18