High Frequency Light and Sound Stimulation to Improve Brain Functions in Alzheimer's Disease (NCT04042922) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
High Frequency Light and Sound Stimulation to Improve Brain Functions in Alzheimer's Disease
United States80 participantsStarted 2019-04-19
Plain-language summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by significant memory loss and toxic protein deposits (amyloid and tau) in the brain. The investigators' lab found a non-invasive way to remove these toxic proteins from the brain in AD mouse models. Remarkably, treated mice also have improved memory on behavioral testing. The investigators aim to translate this non-invasive method, which uses light and sound to stimulate the brain, to be used in mild Alzheimer's patients. 40 participants with mild Alzheimer's disease will be recruited, and the investigators will assess their brain waves with electroencephalogram (EEG) before, during, and after light and sound stimulation for safety, feasibility, and to optimize the stimulation device for use in the mild AD population.
Who can participate
Age range
50 Years – 100 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Subject is between the ages of 50 - 100.
* Subject must have mild Alzheimer's disease with a Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score of 19 -26.
* Subject is willing to sign informed consent document.
* If subject is deemed to not have capacity to sign the informed consent, he/she will need a legally authorized representative to provide surrogate consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Subjects who do not have healthcare.
* Subjects who are being treated with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists (eg. Memantine).
* Subjects on medications that lower seizure threshold such as wellbutrin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, etc.
* Subjects with history of seizure or epilepsy within the past 24 months.
* Subjects with clinically significant suicide risk and/or suicide attempt in the past 1 year.
* Subjects with behavioral problems such as aggression/agitation/impulsivity that might interfere with their ability to comply with protocol.
* Active treatment with one or more anti-epileptic agent.
* Subjects who have had a stroke within the past 24 months.
* Subjects diagnosed with migraine headache.
* Active treatment with one or more psychiatric agent (e.g. antidepressants, antipsychotics, etc).
* Subjects who have an active implantable medical device including but not limited to implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), deep brain stimulator (DBS), cardiac pacemaker, and/or sacral nerve stimulator.
* Subjects who have profound hearing or visual impairment.
* Subj…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Feasibility of gamma frequency stimulation
Timeframe: Immediately after the completion of the stimulation
2
Tolerability of gamma frequency stimulation
Timeframe: Immediately after the completion of the stimulation
3
Safety of gamma frequency stimulation
Timeframe: Immediately after the completion of the stimulation