Project Overview

Every day, over 350 Canadians are diagnosed with dementia, and this number is expected to grow rapidly. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is an early stage where memory problems begin, and about one-third of people with MCI develop dementia. Our study is testing a new, non-invasive treatment called transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), which uses infrared light to stimulate the brain. We want to see if this therapy can improve memory and brain health in people with MCI. Participants will use a device that delivers light to their head for 20 minutes each day over eight weeks. Based on promising results from a smaller pilot study, we are now conducting a larger trial to further test its effectiveness. If successful, this treatment could help slow or even prevent the progression from MCI to dementia, offering a new option for people at risk or people with related conditions.

Principal Investigator

Corinne Fischer , St. Michael’s Hospital

Team Members

Tom Schweizer, St. Michael’s Hospital

Simon Graham, Sunnybrook Research Institute

David Munoz, St. Michael’s Hospital

Nathan Churchill, University of Toronto

Raphael Schneider, University of Toronto

Neda Rashidi-Ranjbar, University of Toronto

Partners and Donors

Alzheimer Society of Canada