Efficacy of 1072nm Infrared Stimulation on Executive Functioning in Dementia

This study will employ a double-blind, placebo-controlled approach to assess the effect of 1072nm infrared (IR) phototherapy on the behavioral and cognitive symptoms associated with early and mid-stage dementia.

What hypotheses are you testing? We are seeking to determine if the provision of brief, repeated exposure to 1072nm infrared stimulation of the cortex surface improves cognitive and behavioral functioning as indicated by normalization of EEG activity, increased cerebral oxygenation and demonstrated improvement on standardized neuropsychological measures. Intensive near infrared stimulation has been shown to be effective in accelerating healing of injuries and functional modification including increasing blood flow and perfusion. Dementia research has suggested that hypoperfusion is a significant underlying mechanism in the progression of dementia. Infrared spectroscopy has been shown effective in the non-invasive measurement of changes in cerebral oxygenation and perfusion. This study therefore seeks to explore whether the increasing of regional cerebral perfusion and oxygenation using infrared light stimulation will result in improved cognitive and behavioral functioning.