Published Clinical Research Summary: Vielight in Dementia and MCI Studies
The field of neuroscience is increasingly investigating photobiomodulation (PBM) as a non-invasive approach to supporting brain health. Leading academic institutions, including Harvard Medical School, the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and the University of Toronto, have conducted independent clinical trials to explore how Vielight’s technology interacts with neural pathways associated with dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Regulatory Note: The Vielight Neuro Gamma is an investigational device. The findings summarized above are from independent research studies and do not constitute claims for the treatment, cure, or prevention of dementia or MCI. The ongoing n=228 pivotal trial is required to further evaluate efficacy.
Foundational Evidence: Harvard & Boston University
In 2017, researchers from Harvard and Boston University delivered the first controlled evidence regarding the potential cognitive impact of Vielight’s PBM technology. The pilot study focused on whether targeted light delivery could produce measurable shifts in brain function.
Researchers observed that participants receiving active PBM showed:
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Cognitive Scores: Improvements in objective cognitive assessment results.
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Wellness Indicators: Findings suggested better sleep quality and reduced anxiety.
Investigating Dementia: The University of California SF Study
In 2019, Dr. Linda Chao, a radiology professor at UCSF, initiated an independent study to evaluate the Vielight Neuro Gamma specifically within a dementia research context.
The trial compared a group receiving standard care against a group utilizing the Vielight Neuro Gamma at home. After 12 weeks, the research team reported several significant findings:
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Cognitive and Behavioral Performance: The Vielight group demonstrated meaningful shifts in cognitive performance and behaviors associated with dementia.
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NPI Score Improvements: Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scores improved by an average of –12.3 points at 6 weeks and –22.8 points at 12 weeks.
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Neurological Imaging: MRI scans showed increased cerebral blood flow and strengthened connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN).
The Vielight Neuro increases blood flow in a study by the UCSF.
University of California Key Finding: Increased Cerebral Blood Perfusion
An important study shows that cerebral perfusion (CBF) increased after 12 weeks in the Vielight PBM group compared to the UC group. This finding is consistent with previous reports of PBM-related increases in local CBF, oxygen consumption, total hemoglobin, a proxy for increased rCBF, rCBF, and increased oxygenated/decreased deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations.
Interestingly, the PBM-related increases in perfusion were most prominent in the parietal ROIs. This may relate to the fact that the Vielight Neuro Gamma used in this study had three transcranial LED clusters over the parietal lobe and only one transcranial LED cluster over the frontal lobe. This finding may also be explained by the report that NIR light penetrates more deeply through the parietal lobe compared to the frontal lobe due to the higher power density of the rear transcranial LED modules.
