Testing Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Plain-English translation of NCT07651787 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing transcranial photobiomodulation—a treatment that uses near-infrared light applied to the head—to see if it can help improve memory and thinking skills in people with mild cognitive impairment. The study focuses on people whose cognitive problems are related to blood vessel and circulation issues in the brain. Researchers believe this light therapy may help brain cells work better and improve blood flow to the brain.

Many people with mild cognitive impairment experience problems with brain blood flow and energy production in brain cells, but current treatments are limited. This study explores whether this non-invasive light therapy could restore healthy brain function by improving how blood flows to active brain areas and boosting the energy-producing power of brain cells.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 55 and 95 years old
you have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (confirmed by standard cognitive tests)
you have evidence of blood vessel disease or damage in your brain shown on brain imaging
you speak English and have adequate hearing and vision to participate in study activities
you are willing to come in for light therapy sessions six times per week for 12 weeks

You likely don't qualify if…

you have active neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or dementia
you have had a recent stroke (within 60 days) or a diagnosis of amyloid angiopathy
you are currently using another brain stimulation device as part of a research study
you have serious medical conditions that are not well-controlled, such as severe diabetes, heart failure, or very high blood pressure
you have major depression, untreated psychiatric illness, or active substance abuse

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you will be randomly assigned to receive either active near-infrared light therapy or a sham (inactive) version delivered by a small handheld device. You'll attend 20-minute sessions six times a week for 12 weeks—that's about three months of consistent participation. Researchers will also perform brain scans and cognitive tests to measure whether the light therapy improves your thinking and memory.

Testing Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Mild Cognitive Impairment

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)