MCI Clinical Trial: Vielight itPBM Improves Memory, Brain Energy, and Inflammation in Adults with MCI

Toronto, Ontario. A new randomized, sham-controlled pilot study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (June 2026) reports that home-based intranasal-transcranial photobiomodulation (itPBM) with the Vielight Neuro produced measurable improvements across cognition, brain metabolism, and brain-network connectivity in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The independent study was conducted by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto.

For educational purposes only. The Vielight Neuro is a general wellness device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or any other condition. This summary describes an independent, peer-reviewed pilot study (n = 20). Nothing here is medical advice. Anyone concerned about memory or cognition should consult a qualified healthcare professional.

What the Study Found

Most photobiomodulation studies in cognitive decline measure one outcome at a time. This trial measured three at once (cognition, blood-based metabolism, and brain imaging) in the same participants. According to the authors, it is the first sham-controlled randomized trial of transcranial photobiomodulation in MCI to use this multimodal design.

• Better memory. Significant gains in episodic recognition memory (CVLT-II), one of the first abilities to fade in early Alzheimer’s, with a large effect size (d = 1.09).
• Improved global cognition. MMSE scores rose while the sham group declined, a difference within the range considered clinically meaningful (d = 1.05).
• More efficient energy production. A lower serum lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, a signature of more efficient, mitochondria-driven energy production (d = -1.37).
• Lower inflammation. A significant drop in IL-6, an inflammatory marker tied to cognitive decline.
• Stronger brain-network connectivity. Increased Default Mode Network connectivity (d = 1.25), a network disrupted early in Alzheimer’s.

How It Was Designed

Twenty adults aged 50 to 85 with MCI were randomized 1:1 to active treatment or a sham (inactive) device. Groups were well matched at baseline for age, sex, education, and cognitive scores. Participants used a portable Vielight itPBM device with five 810 nm LEDs: four targeting transcranial regions including the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and temporoparietal areas, plus one intranasal emitter targeting the olfactory bulb. Treatment ran for six weeks, with cognitive testing, blood draws, and full MRI sessions before and after.

Adherence was high (96.9% in the active group), with no serious adverse events and only mild, self-resolving effects. The authors describe home-based itPBM as safe, well tolerated, and feasible.

Why It Matters

Most therapies in development target amyloid or tau plaques. This trial took a different angle, focusing on the mitochondria, the cell’s energy producers, which show dysfunction early in the disease process. Cytochrome c oxidase, the mitochondrial enzyme that drives ATP production, has its near-infrared absorption peak around 810 nm, the wavelength used in the study. Vielight’s intranasal route delivers light to the olfactory bulb, a region with direct connections to the limbic and prefrontal areas of the Default Mode Network.

As a pilot, the findings are preliminary. The authors call for larger, double-blind, multicenter trials with longer follow-up to confirm the results.

Read the full coverage: MCI Clinical Results on the Vielight blog

Read the published paper: Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease

Reference: Rashidi-Ranjbar N, et al. A multimodal evaluation of transcranial photobiomodulation in mild cognitive impairment. J Alzheimers Dis. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/13872877261453911. General wellness device. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.