A New Headset Aims to Treat Alzheimer’s With Light and Sound

In results from a Phase II trial published March 6 in the journal Frontiers in Neurology, the company showed that its novel treatment is safe and reported early hints that it may also have benefits for Alzheimer’s patients.

Cognito’s headset, dubbed Spectris, delivers flashing lights and sounds through a pair of connected glasses and headphones to stimulate gamma waves in the brain. Gamma waves are fast-frequency brain waves associated with thinking skills and memory, and people with Alzheimer’s are known to have fewer of these fast brain waves.

Compared with the placebo group, those who got the Cognito stimulation showed a 77 percent slowing in functional decline as measured by a scale that assesses how well Alzheimer’s patients are able to carry out daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and getting around.

But yes, although it looks very promising, the group tested is still way too small, and it seems a Phase III trial is now beginning with over 500 participants. Another thing to note is the person has to stay awake, so you can’t just fall asleep with this therapy.

See https://www.wired.com/story/cognito-wearable-device-light-sound-treatment-alzheimers-dementia/
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