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

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

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.

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.

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)