Chronic Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease With Gamma Frequency Stimulation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Summary
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.
Description
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. Gamma waves are important for memory, and in patients with AD, there are fewer gamma waves in the brain. 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. The…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65–100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Subjects may be enrolled into the study if they meet all of the following criteria: * Subject is between the ages of 65 - 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. * Able to complete the 1st month of at home stimulation at their primary residence. If subjects plan to spend more than 1 week away from the…
Interventions
- DeviceGENUS device (Active Settings)
Participants in the active, experimental group will use the GENUS devices configured to active (40Hz) setting for 60 minutes daily for 6 months.
- DeviceGENUS device (sham settings)
Participants in the control group will use the GENUS devices configured to the sham settings for 60 minutes daily for 6 months.
Location
- Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, Massachusetts