Light and sound at 40 hertz could help treat Alzheimer’s

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that in three studies conducted between 2016 and 2019, exposing mice to light or sound at a frequency of 40 hertz may provide different benefits. Now, two new studies conducted tests on humans and proved the benefits of 40 hertz sound and light for patients. Alzheimer’s — Findings published in scientific journal PLoS ONE.

MIT Professor Li-Huei Tsai has conducted new clinical trials in people with Alzheimer’s, based on early frequency studies led by Diane Chan, a Massachusetts General Hospital neurologist and postdoctoral researcher in Tsai’s lab. In a measurement with electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes, she was able to confirm that exposure to 40 hertz light and sound is safe.

Phase 1 of one of the studies was attended by 43 people aged 16 and over diagnosed with different stages of Alzheimer’s – two other epilepsy patients were also part of the study. In the second test, 15 volunteers with early-stage Alzheimer’s were exposed to light and sound at 40 hertz in a controlled, randomized, single-blind test.

Some patients exhibited better brain modeling and better connectivity with visual processing and cognition – participants’ sleep also improved. For example, they performed better on tests of matching names and people.

40 hertz and Alzheimer’s

“After such a short time, we didn’t expect to see significant effects on cognitive measures, so it was encouraging to see that the treatment group performed significantly better, at least in face name association,” Chan said.

Even after the study, the participants continued to use the 40 hertz sensory stimulation device. In any case, it is important to emphasize that the researchers concluded that it is still important to thoroughly examine research results, as this is the only way to assess the potential for positive effects on pathology.