Could a light helmet boost memory in early Alzheimer's?
NCT ID NCT06618807
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a safe, non-invasive light therapy device (Neuro RX Gamma) in 60 adults aged 50+ with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's. The treatment uses near-infrared light to stimulate brain areas linked to memory. Researchers will check if it improves thinking, daily function, and brain health markers.
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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 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2028
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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50 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.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Individuals who meet the criteria for MCI of 1) cognitive concern by the subject, informant, or clinician; 2) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score between 19-25 and impairment in learning and memory domain; 3) essentially normal functional activities as derived from the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) and 4) the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) criteria for MCI due to Alzheimer's disease. , Age is greater than or equal to 50 years old. Meets the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) criteria for MCI due to Alzheimer's disease. Essentially normal functional activities as derived from the CDR. If receiving ongoing cholinesterase inhibitor therapy and/or memantine, must be on a stable dosage for at least the prior 3 months. MoCA score between 19 and 25 at screening assessment and impairment in learning and memory domain. Exclusion Criteria: Cannot tolerate blood draws. Claustrophobia (fear of small or enclosed spaces), that cannot tolerate MRI scanners\*. A pace-maker or other metal implants that would preclude safe use of MRI\*. DSM 5 diagnosis of alcohol or other substance use disorders within the past 12 months. Unstable medical illness, (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or hypertension). Any history of stroke, seizures, MS, or Lyme disease. Any issues with ambulation, vision, or hearing which could, in the opinion of the investigator, interfere with their ability to complete assessments. Participant does not speak English at a level necessary for the completion of the assessments. Has not completed at least a grade eight education, as necessary for the completion of the assessments. Currently participating in another clinical research study involving an investigational product. History of significant agitation and/or aggression, epileptic seizures. Current neurologic disease affecting cognition other than Alzheimer's disease. Photosensitivity reactions to sunlight or visible light (polymorphous light eruption, solar urticaria, persistent light reactivity). History of recurrent epistaxis within the last 24 weeks or currently taking major anti-coagulants (including warfarin, low molecular weight heparin) Increased skin sensitivity at the treatment site including active herpes simplex in the treatment area, history of keloid formation, or history of retinoid use in the past month. Pregnant or lactating or planning to become pregnant. Currently undergoing infrared light therapy treatment. Any reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, might place a participant at unacceptable risk for participation in the trial. Note: \*Participants with contraindications for MRI can still enroll in the trial and participate without undergoing the MRI procedure. However, if participants do not have contraindications, undergoing the MRI is required as part of the trial.
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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
1 site. 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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St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M5B 1T8, Canada
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