NCT05016219 · RECRUITING
Phase 2 - Rhythmic Light Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease Patients
This trial is testing two types of light therapy for people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's who also have sleep problems. One light is designed to stimulate the brain's circadian clock; the other uses a 40 Hz flicker pattern thought to influence brain activity. Participants sit under their assigned light for two hours each morning for eight weeks. This is a non-drug, device-based study — essentially asking whether specific light patterns improve sleep and cognition.
You may qualify if
- 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
You're excluded if
- 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
The sponsor's own eligibility wording, lightly reformatted. The study team makes the final eligibility decision — worth discussing with your doctor.
Eligibility criteria as of 2026-05-29