Increasing Mitochondrial Respiration as a Novel Mechanism for Cognitive Augmentation
Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, PhD
Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of increasing brain energy on cognition. The hypothesis is that by using a special kind of light, in combination with a nutritional supplement, it may be possible to increase energy production in the brain, which may lead to improvements in cognition.
Description
The Gonzalez-Lima Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin is recruiting participants for a research study. The study examines whether a combined treatment can improve cognitive function. The treatment includes transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a form of light therapy applied to the forehead, along with a dietary supplement. The treatment targets an enzyme called cytochrome-c-oxidase, which plays a key role in how the mitochondria inside brain cells use oxygen to produce energy. As people age, this process often becomes less efficient, contributing to cognitive decline seen in nor…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18-85 years old * No uncorrected visual, auditory, or motor impairments that would interfere with performing cognitive tasks Exclusion Criteria: * Transcranial photobiomodulation in the last six weeks * Diabetes * Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant * Breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed * Major depressive disorder * Psychotic disorders * Suicidal ideation within the past 6 months * Plans for serious medical procedures in the next 3 months * Serious hepatic or liver-related conditions * History of neurotrauma (e.g., brain lesions or traumatic brain injury) * Pre…
Interventions
- DeviceActive transcranial photobiomodulation
Infrared light delivered to the forehead, administered with a headset using light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
- Dietary SupplementActive MCT dietary supplementation
Commercially-available food-grade refined coconut oil for ketogenic dietary supplementation
- DeviceSham photobiomodulation
Identical procedure as active group, but with 5% of light emitted by the device.
- Dietary SupplementSham dietary supplementation
Identical appearance and administration as active dietary supplementation, but with commercially-available food-grade sunflower oil (comparable caloric value without ketone production).
Location
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin, Texas