Preventing Alzheimers Disease Using Light and Sound Stimulation in Adults Aged 55 to 90 with Family History

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying a way to prevent Alzheimers disease in people aged 55 to 90 who have normal memory but a close family member with Alzheimers. The study focuses on using light and sound stimulation at a frequency of 40Hz to boost brain gamma waves, which are important for memory. This approach is based on earlier findings in mice where such stimulation reduced harmful brain protein deposits and improved memory. Participants will be randomly assigned to use either an active device that delivers light and sound at 40Hz or a sham device with different frequencies. They will use the device at home for 60 minutes daily over 12 months. The device includes LEDs and speakers with a tablet for entertainment, positioned so the participant sits about 5 feet away during use. The study includes blood tests, brain imaging with PET and MRI, EEGs, cognitive tests, and questionnaires. A subset of participants will provide cerebrospinal fluid samples. Throughout the study, participants will wear a watch-like device to monitor sleep and activity. Participants will visit the study site 4 to 6 times during the 13-month protocol before starting, at 6 months, and after 12 months. At these visits, researchers will conduct scans, memory tests, blood work, and EEGs to track changes in brain amyloid and tau deposits, brain structure and activity, and blood biomarkers. The study will also monitor how well participants use the device by tracking usage time and eye movements. The main goal is to see if the stimulation reduces Alzheimers-related brain changes over the study period.

Gamma Light and Sound Stimulation to Prevent Dementia in Cognitively Normal People at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease