Cognitive Enhancement Through Transcranial Laser Therapy

Cognitive Enhancement Through Transcranial Laser Therapy

This is a mechanism-driven translational project to test the efficacy of transcranial low-level light/laser therapy (LLLT), for enhancing cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults and participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

The goal of this project is to test the efficacy of LLLT to enhance neurocognitive function in middle-aged adults and examine the modulating influences of carotid atherosclerosis. The specific aims will be accomplished in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) by examining cognitive test performance and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response to a working memory task in middle-aged and older adults and participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment pre- and post- six-week long intervention of LLLT or placebo. In addition, the investigators will examine if carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) moderates the therapeutic effects of LLLT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and postmenopausal women, aged 45 and older
• Participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

• neurological disease (e.g., large vessel stroke, seizure disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, clinically significant traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness > 30 minutes, multiple sclerosis, or brain infection/meningitis
• baseline IQ < 85 placing them below the average range of intellectual functioning
• major psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) or substance abuse (diagnosed abuse and/or previous hospitalization for substance abuse)
• severe cardiovascular disease (e.g., pacemaker), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver or kidney disease, inflammatory illness