Assessing Feasibility of Prolonged Repetitive Near Infrared Light Stimulation in Early to Mid-Stage Dementia

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study will gather data to see if infrared and near infrared light frequency can increase the activity of brain cells and provide support for the cell's ability to repair and protect themselves against further damage.

Detailed Description
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Research suggests that impaired regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) [flow of blood in certain parts of the brain] plays an important role in dementia. Infrared and near infrared light frequency has been shown to increase the activity of brain cells and provide support for the cell's ability to repair and protect themselves against further damage. This study will evaluate the effects of repeated brief exposure to near infrared light stimulation twice a day on subjects that have problems such as attention span, working memory, strategies of learning and remembering, planning, organizing, self-monitoring, inhibition and flexible thinking for an 8 week period.

Official Title
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Assessing Feasibility of Prolonged Repetitive Near Infrared Light Stimulation on Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms in Early to Mid-Stage Dementia

Conditions
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Mild to Moderate Dementia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Helmet


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Aged 50-85 years with an independently provided diagnosis of dementia, probable Alzheimer's type. Dementia symptoms not greater than early to mid-stage dementia Generally healthy as indicated by recent physical examination within the last 6 months If labs are available within the last 6 months, renal function, hepatic function, cardiac function should be normal Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosed actively growing intracranial pathology (tumors etc.) Misusing illegal substances or alcohol Previous history of stroke History of aggression or violence History of major psychiatric illness No underlying CNS pathology (confined to tumor, epilepsy only)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 50 Years
Maximum Age: 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Quadruple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Helmet Active Device<br>Patients will be randomized 2:1 ratio to receive either the helmet active device or the helmet sham matched device. EACH device will be delivered with a highly visible tag with either an 'A' or 'B' respective to the study group the patient was randomized to. | Device: Helmet<br>* The portable device covers the head and weighs about 3.5 lb., and is made of light-weight, durable plastic, it is placed on the head with eye panels facing forward. Elastic straps holding the arrays together easily expand to conform to each subjects' head. Patients may notice slight warming of scalp after usage. This warming effect is similar to wearing a regular motorcycle helmet for a similar duration.<br>* Other names: Photobiomodulation device;|
| Sham Comparator: Helmet Sham<br>Patients will be randomized 2:1 ratio to receive either the helmet active device or the helmet sham matched device. EACH device will be delivered with a highly visible tag with either an 'A' or 'B' respective to the study group the patient was randomized to. | Device: Helmet<br>* The portable device covers the head and weighs about 3.5 lb., and is made of light-weight, durable plastic, it is placed on the head with eye panels facing forward. Elastic straps holding the arrays together easily expand to conform to each subjects' head. Patients may notice slight warming of scalp after usage. This warming effect is similar to wearing a regular motorcycle helmet for a similar duration.<br>* Other names: Photobiomodulation device;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Memory Score | Mini Mental State Exam will be performed in beginning of the study (before first treatment), in the middle of the treatment (in 4 weeks) and in the end of treatment (in the end of 8 weeks). This quick assessment will be able to score assessed individuals using 0-30 scoring range. Collected scores will be compared at different time points and any numerical change in score will be evaluated. | Before first treatment, at 4 weeks and then at 8 weeks. | 
| Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog test) test | ADAS-Cog test will be performed in beginning of the study (before first treatment), in the middle of the treatment (in 4 weeks) and in the end of treatment (in the end of 8 weeks) to measure cognition. This comprehensive test will measure patient's ability of language and memory. Test consist of 11 parts and will help to assess baseline and determine cognitive change over period of treatment using patient's ability to answer questions and given score. | Before first treatment, at 4 weeks and then at 8 weeks. | 
| Quantitative Electro Encephalography (QEEG) | QEEG measurement will be performed in beginning of the study (before first treatment), in the middle of the treatment (in 4 weeks) and in the end of treatment (in the end of 8 weeks). This measurement will use modern analytic software to process activity of the brain during cognitive task in the forms of electrical signals received from the surface of the scalp. Analytical software uses algorithms to assess recorded brain impulses and evaluate brain function, helping to track changes in the brain function due to treatment. Waveforms of EEG being assessed: Delta frequencies (1-4 HZ) are produced during sleep are widespread in the frontal central region. Delta is necessary for sleep and stillness. Theta frequencies (4-8 HZ) are associated with selective attention, retrieving newly learned information, and preceding sleep. Theta aids creativity and problem solving. Alpha frequencies (8-12 HZ) appear in the posterior when the eyes are closed. It is associated with idling and | Before first treatment, at 4 weeks and then at 8 weeks. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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dementia