Could flickering light boost brain health in Alzheimer's?
NCT ID NCT05016219
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing whether a special flickering light therapy can improve memory and sleep in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease. About 120 participants will be randomly assigned to one of four light conditions and use the light at home for two hours each morning for 8 weeks. The goal is to see if this safe, non-drug approach can help ease symptoms and support brain function.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2023
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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55 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease, as defined by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score between 17 and 25; * Have sleep disturbance indicated by a score \>5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index * Participants must reside in their homes, independent living, or assisted living facilities Exclusion Criteria: * Participants taking sleep medication * Residence in a skilled nursing facility or long-term care * Obstructing cataracts, macular degeneration, and blindness * Severe sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome * History of severe epilepsy
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10029, United States
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Light and Health Research Center
RECRUITINGMenands, New York, 12204, United States
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