Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) in Alzheimer's Disease Study

A Longitudinal Study Investigating the Effects of Photobiomodulation (PBM) on Cognitive Function and Alzheimer's Disease (AD)-Related Biomarkers in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Dementia Due to AD

The purpose of this study is to see if a special light treatment, called photobiomodulation, can help people with memory problems such as Mild Cognitive Impairment or Mild Dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The light is given to the forehead using an FDA-cleared medical device. This device is cleared to provide topical heating to elevate tissue temperature for temporary relief of muscle and joint pain, muscle spasm and stiffness associated with arthritis. It also increases blood circulation and relaxes muscle tissue. This device is being used "off-label," meaning it will be used in a way that is different than its cleared use.

We want to learn whether this light treatment can improve executive function, and whether it changes certain inflammatory and neurodegeneration related signals in the blood. To do this, we will apply the photobiomodulation device to your forehead. We will also ask you questions and give you cognitive tests before and after light treatment. We will also collect blood samples before and after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed and dated informed consent form (either by subject or LAR)
• Willingness and ability to comply with all study procedures
• Age 55 to 89 years, inclusive
• Clinical diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild dementia (CDR Global = 0-1; MoCA 16-25) due to probable Alzheimer's disease diagnosis
• Ability to attend in-person sessions at Cedars-Sinai and adhere to weekly visits
• Stable dose of Alzheimer's disease medications (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine, memantine, galantamine) for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment, if applicable

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of significant neurological conditions other than AD (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson, etc.)
• History of Seizures
• If patient holds neuroimaging showing space-occupying lesions
• If patient holds imaging with Fazekas greater than or equal to 3, more than 2 lacunar infarcts, and/or more than 5 microhemorrhages
• Current pregnancy or lactation (although unlikely in this population)
• Participation in another clinical trial or investigational drug within the past 30 days
• Active use of illicit substances or non-prescribed psychoactive drugs within the past 30 days.
• Severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or another etiology
• Physical or mental impairment that prevents the participant from complying with the cognitive testing battery.