It is well-documented that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated frontal lobe dysfunction and executive dysfunction. In addition, many studies reported high level of MCI symptoms among the elderly and the trend is increasing in Hong Kong. Based upon the link between MCI and frontal and executive function problems, it is conceivable that elderly who exhibits high levels of memory problems would exhibit frontal and executive function problems. To our knowledge, there is still a lack of effective treatment or therapy for MCI, it is important to investigate effective intervention that can efficiently improve the cognitive ability of MCI patients or patients with mild memory problems. The objective of the present study is to compare individuals with mild memory problems after the Photo neuro-modulation Therapy (PNMT) and those who do not. 40 middle aged and older adults were recruited from the subject database of the Neuropsychology Laboratory of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Participants were divided randomly and equally into treatment group, as well as the placebo group. Several computerized executive function tests will be used before and after the treatment under the recording of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which estimates level of frontal activation. It is hypothesized that compared to participants without PNMT, those with PNMT will have a better performance in the executive function tasks and exhibit a higher frontal activation. The cognitive and neurophysiological results would provide evidences on the possibility of PNMT in treating individuals with mild memory problems, as well as with other mental disorders.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
low-level LED near-infrared (670-810nm) including MedX Health Model 1100 or WiseFori5-3800
Sham, no active stimulation will be given to subjects
Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
RECRUITINGN-Back Test (cognitive test battery)
a digit n-back paradigm to assess working memory
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 year
Category Fluency Test
a test to assess the ability to generate words that belong to a semantic category in a controlled manner
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 year
The Hong Kong List Learning Test
a tests to assess memory function of the participants
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 year
The Chinese Version of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale
a test to estimate the global functioning level of the participants, lowest score is 0, highest score is 144, higher score means better global functioning level
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 year
NIRS Recording
NIRS to record the hemodynamic response, measured in mmol/mm
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 year
EEG Recordings
EEG is used to record electrical activity of the brain, measured in microvolts, EEG power spectrum
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 year
EEG Recordings
EEG source localisation, measured in current density
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 year
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