Chronic Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease by Gamma Light and Sound Therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by significant memory loss, toxic protein deposits amyloid and tau) in the brain, and changes in the gamma frequency band on EEG. The investigator's lab found that boosting gamma waves in AD mouse models using light and sound stimulation at 40Hz not only reduced amyloid and tau in the brain, but also improved memory. The investigators developed a light and sound device for humans that stimulates the brain at 40Hz that can be used safely at home. For the present study, 60 participants with mild Alzheimer's disease will be enrolled and will use this light and sound device at-home daily for 6-months. Investigators will measure changes in brain waves with EEG, blood biomarkers, the microbiome via fecal samples, functional and structural MRI scans, memory and cognitive testing, and questionnaires at 3 in-person visits throughout the study. After the 6-month time point, participants will have the option of continuing in the study for at least one year and completing yearly study visits. This study will provide critical insight into extended therapy involving non-invasive 40Hz sensory stimulation as a possible therapeutic strategy for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

NCT Number	NCT05655195
Lead Sponsor	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Conditions	Alzheimer Disease, Alzheimer Disease, Early Onset, Alzheimer Disease, Late Onset, Alzheimer's Disease (Incl Subtypes), Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Disease
Enrollment	60 participants
Start Date	2022-12-14
Primary Completion	2026-09-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-09-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-03-30