About this trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM), a light-based brain therapy, can help improve memory and cognitive skills in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). This condition involves memory problems that are greater than normal aging and may increase the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease.
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
1. Does t-PBM, when used together with cognitive training, improve memory and cognitive skills? 2. Does t-PBM change how certain brain areas communicate with each other, especially in the default mode network (DMN)?
Researchers will compare:
t-PBM plus cognitive training to sham (inactive) t-PBM plus the same cognitive training to see if the active light treatment leads to better cognitive improvement and healthier brain activity.
Participants will:
* Provide a blood sample so the research team can create a genetic profile; * Complete cognitive tests before and after the 4-week program; * Meet with a dietitian before and after the program so the research team can make sure diet stays consistent and does not influence brain results; * Have a brain fMRI scan before and after treatment to measure brain connectivity changes; * Take part in eight sessions of cognitive training; * Receive either active t-PBM or sham t-PBM during these sessions.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Age 55 years or older
Diagnosis of amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI)
Disqualifiers
Presence of a neurological disorder
Presence of a severe psychiatric disorder
Having a pacemaker or other implanted medical device that is not MRI-compatible
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Active transcranial Photobiomodulation
- sham transcranial Photobiomodulation
- Cognitive Rehabilitation