At the 2021 Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease International Conference (2021 AD/PD), significant breakthroughs were achieved innovative therapy ” 40Hz audiovisual stimulation therapy” for Alzheimer’s disease patients by Cognito Therapeutics. Cognito Therapeutics is a clinical-stage neurotechnology company developing disease-modifying therapeutic approaches to treat neurodegenerative disorders. According to the latest results from a clinical phase II trial, this therapy reduced the rate of decline in patients’ memory and cognitive ability scores by 83% and also decreased brain atrophy rate by 61%.

The study utilizes specific frequency LED flashing and sound stimulation confirmed by electroencephalogram (EEG) to target the gamma frequency in the brain waves of Alzheimer’s patients for neural modulation. The study included a total of 76 mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease patients aged 50 and above. During the 6-month treatment period, patients received daily 1-hour sessions of 40Hz visual and auditory stimulation in their homes through randomization. According to the test results, the 40Hz audiovisual stimulation therapy is not only safe and well-tolerated, but also highly effective.

The 40Hz audiovisual stimulation therapy for Alzheimer‘s disease was proposed by the research team from the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In December 2016, this research team published a study titled “Gamma frequency entrainment attenuates amyloid load and modifies microglia” in the journal “Nature.” This study revealed that “40Hz flickering light” can stimulate gamma brain waves in Alzheimer’s disease mice, reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid-like proteins in the brain, and improve the function of microglial cells.

The mechanism behind 40 Hz light therapy is quite remarkable. When the brain is exposed to rhythmic visual stimuli at 40 Hz, it responds by aligning its electrical activity to match this frequency. In essence, it helps “reset” the disrupted gamma brainwaves. It’s not just about slowing down the disease; it might actually help the brain regain some of its lost functions.

After reviewing the above information, lighting fixtures produced with a 40Hz light source have significant advantages compared to general fixtures:

1. Slowing down the decline in memory and cognitive function.
2. Keep the eyes comfortable and healthy.
3. Easy to install and move for effortless installation and convenient mobility.
4. Competitive prices, convenient acquisition.

In the past, the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease mainly relied on medication. However, the long-term effectiveness of medication is prone to decline. This research result not only brings hope to Alzheimer’s patients and their families, but also shows that using a 40Hz light source can stimulate and improve cognitive vitality. With the continuous development in this field, more innovative applications emerging to enhance users’ quality of life is expected.

Reference Link

1. Cognito Therapeutics Announces Positive Phase 2 Results as First Digital Therapeutic to Improve Memory, Cognition, Functional Abilities and Reduce Brain Atrophy in Alzheimer’s Disease | Business Wire
2. Gamma frequency entrainment attenuates amyloid load and modifies microglia, Nature, 07 Dec 2016
3. What is 40 Hz light therapy? And, how is it related to Alzheimer’s disease?
4. Delta M+ BrainCare Light