None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The prevalence of neurodegenerative disease is expected to increase globally over the coming decades. The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD), with AD being the second leading cause of death in Australia. Early data suggests that photobiomodulation (PBM), or red light therapy, could offer significant benefits for patients with neurodegenerative disorders including AD and PD. PBM involves administering red and near-infrared light to the patient via a helmet, which activates the affected cells in the brain and recruits circulating stem and immune cells, ultimately promoting improved cell functioning and mitigating inflammation. This study research will assess whether red light therapy adminstered twice daily over a 12 month period is effective in improving cognitive function in AD and PD patients. Assessments are to be conducted 3 monthly and include a series of pen-and-paper cognition tests and motor function tests in PD patients.
Interventions
All participants will receive:
Photobiomodulation (PBM) will be applied using the WellRed Duo Coronet (https://wellred.com.au/duocoronet). This helmet-like device is made of aluminium and has light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned at regular intervals to cover the entire head. It contains LEDs in two wavelengths of red and near infrared light – 670nm and 810nm. Both wavelengths are pulsed at 40Hz at a voltage of 12V DC, with the 2 wavelengths being automatically switched. Each participant will
All participants will receive: Photobiomodulation (PBM) will be applied using the WellRed Duo Coronet (https://wellred.com.au/duocoronet). This helmet-like device is made of aluminium and has light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned at regular intervals to cover the entire head. It contains LEDs in two wavelengths of red and near infrared light – 670nm and 810nm. Both wavelengths are pulsed at 40Hz at a voltage of 12V DC, with the 2 wavelengths being automatically switched. Each participant will receive their own Duo Coronet to self-administer at home twice daily for 12 months. Each session lasts 24 minutes (2x12 minutes consecutively at each wavelength). Carers of participants will have access to the 15-20 min online videos (https://wellred.com.au/instructions) on how to fit the helmet and apply the treatment. Adherence to daily sessions will be monitored by online participant diaries. Allocation of treatment: The first 20 enrolled participants in each group (AD or PD) will be allocated to the intervention group, The following 5 enrolled participants in each group (AD or PD) will be allocated to the waitlist control group. Within-group changes in cognitive function will be analysed (AD or PD), and between-group changes will be explored for selected outcome measures (AD versus PD).
Sponsors
National Institute of Integrative Medicine
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Other
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
55 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Disease (letter from doctor required to confirm diagnosis and competency to participate) Fluent in English Normal or corrected to normal vision
Exclusion criteria
unable to perform cognitive tests taking photosensitising medication only optional SUCCAB test exclusion, if colour blind
Outcome results
None listed