Using Light Therapy for Mild Cognitive Impairment (NCT07651787)
Neurovascular and Mitochondrial Mechanisms of Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using near-infrared light, can improve brain blood flow regulation (neurovascular coupling) and cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does tPBM enhance cognitive function and cerebral hemodynamic responses during memory and finger tapping tasks? * Does tPBM reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitigate brain cell damage? * Is cognitive improvement linked to amyloid status, greater cerebral hemodynamic response, and lower levels of brain inflammation and oxidative stress? Researchers will compare an active tPBM treatment arm to a sham treatment arm to see if tPBM leads to measurable improvements in brain activity and cognitive function compared to no active stimulation. Participants will: * Receive a 20-minute-long active tPBM or sham stimulation session once per day, 6 times per week, for 12 weeks. * Complete questionnaires and an iPad-based cognitive testing protocol. * Complete memory and motor tasks while their brain activity is measured using non-invasive techniques: simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG). Dynamic analysis of the vessels in the eye will also be performed based on eligibility. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) flowmetry is optionally performed. * Provide blood samples to test for biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and brain cell damage.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: University of Oklahoma Health Campus — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Age range: 55 Years to 95 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- University of Oklahoma Health Campus — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (405) 271-8001
Email: peter-mukli@ou.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
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- Digital Lifestyle Coaching for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention in APOE4 Carriers — La Jolla, California
- AI-CONECT: A Conversational AI for Early Dementia Prevention in Socially-Isolated Older Adults — Boston, Massachusetts
- Assessing Treatment With High-phenolic EVOO Supplements for Neurovascular Activity — Augusta, Georgia
- An Insole and Ankle Device for Monitoring Cognitive Decline in Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease and/or Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) — Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Mild Cognitive Impairment Community Screening and Early Intervention Via Stem Cell Therapy and Wearable Brain Computer Interface Device. — Palisades Park, New Jersey
Explore by condition: All Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.