Flickering light may boost brain function in Alzheimer's

NCT ID NCT05015478

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a special flickering light (40 Hz) can improve sleep and thinking in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease. Participants will sit under the light for one hour while researchers measure brain activity and memory. The goal is to see if this simple, non-drug approach can help calm brain rhythms and support better sleep.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: rhythmic light therapy (40 Hz flickering light)
What this could lead to: If effective, this light therapy could offer a non-drug way to improve sleep and slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-phase study, so results may not apply widely. The light therapy may cause eye strain or discomfort, and benefits may be minimal.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

New York, New York, 10029, United States
Light and Health Research Center

Menands, New York, 12204, United States

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