A radical new clinical trial could slow Alzheimer's

A new radical sound and light therapy clinical trial could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease based on previous studies of the method in animal trials.

The clinical trial involves a dozen patients who will have one-hour sessions of the therapy. Doctors hope the trial therapy, which involves low-frequency sounds and flickering lights, may well encourage brain activity which protects against the disease.

Alzheimer’s currently affects over 825,000 people in the UK, although this figure is predicted to reach over one million by 2025. There still isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s and many individuals rely on medication which can only limit symptoms rather than outright stopping them.

Patients taking part in the trial will be tested every three months to assess their brain function and regular scans will measure brain activity and neuron connectivity. The tests in animals showed an increase gamma waves which boosted the immune cells in the brain capable of fighting the proteins which cause Alzheimer’s. 

The tests could take up to a year to complete, so we don’t expect to hear any developments on this study just yet but we’re excited to hear what’s it may bring in the future. 

As the rate of Alzheimer’s increases across the UK, studies of this nature will continue to play an important part in inspiring hope for those living with Alzheimer’s. Although studies of this nature only represent a small step forward, it does hint to a future where Alzheimer’s could preventable and maybe even curable.