Near-Infrared Stimulation for Mild Cognitive Impairment

What Is This Study About?

The application of near-infrared (NIR) light on the scalp has been shown to improve cognition and reduce depression in young adults and people with a traumatic brain injury. This study will test whether NIR stimulation of the scalp improves cognition in older adults. Over six weeks, participants will receive six one-hour sessions of either the NIR intervention or a sham procedure. The researchers will measure changes in cognition, memory, psychological well-being, and mood.

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• Able to do cognitive and mood tests on a computer
• Available to attend all of the study appointments for treatment and evaluation
• At least an eighth grade education, including the ability to read at the eighth grade level
• On stable doses of any medications for at least two months and expected to continue any medication through study participation
• Willingness to allow a study partner (spouse, family member, friend) to answer questions about the participant's cognition, mood, and other behaviors

Must NOT have:

• Significant vision, hearing, or movement problems that would interfere with study participation
• Unstable medical conditions
• Previous major strokes or other known significant brain abnormalities or diseases affecting cognition 
• History of brain surgery
• Evidence of potential dementia with Mini-Mental State Exam score <24, Montreal Cognitive Assessment score <20, or Dementia Rating Scale-2 score <5th percentile
• Current or past history of major psychiatric disturbance based on an assessment using the Mental Health Screen Form III
• Use of antipsychotics, sedatives, or other medications with significant anticholinergic properties that may affect memory
• Use of photosensitive medications, such as steroids or retin-A, within 15 days of starting the study
• Diagnosis of cancer
• Participation in a cognitive training study or other intervention within the last three months or during this study

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

 

Where Is This Study Located?

Florida
The Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration Gainesville, FL 32607 Recruiting Dawn Bowers, Ph.D. 352-273-6152 dawnbowers@phhp.ufl.edu
The Village Retirement Community Gainesville, FL 32653 Recruiting Dawn Bowers, Ph.D. 352-392-3450 dawnbowers@phhp.ufl.edu

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: University of Florida

Collaborator Sponsor

• Florida Department of Health
• Parkinson's Foundation

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02582593