Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Benefits of Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Lewy Body Disease

Lewy body disease is a common type of dementia that affects thinking, movement, and behaviour. Currently, there isn't a cure or a fully effective treatment. This new study is looking into a non-drug treatment called transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM). This involves using a special medical device to shine red and infrared light onto the head. The idea is that this light can gently stimulate brain cells to work better. We already know this kind of light therapy has shown positive results in studies for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This project, called LEWY-LIGHT, is the first time it's being tested specifically for Lewy body disease. Researchers hope to find out if this safe and gentle method can improve symptoms for people living with this condition.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2029

Lewy Bodies Disease

What is this study about?

Lewy body disease is a complex condition that affects the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, movement, and sometimes changes in mood or behaviour. It's the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's. Finding effective treatments for Lewy body disease is really important because current options are limited and don't always fully address all symptoms. This can be very challenging for patients and their families.

This study is investigating a new and gentle approach called transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM). Imagine a special device that shines specific types of light – red and infrared – onto your head. This isn't harsh light; it's designed to be safe and to pass through your skull to reach the brain cells. The theory is that this gentle light can give brain cells a boost, helping them to work more efficiently and potentially improve how the brain functions. Researchers have seen encouraging results with similar light therapies in studies for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, which gives them hope for Lewy body disease too.

The main goal of the LEWY-LIGHT project is to see if this light therapy can help people with Lewy body disease. They want to find out if it can improve symptoms like memory problems, difficulties with movement, and changes in behaviour. By exploring non-drug treatments like this, scientists are always looking for new ways to improve the quality of life for people living with challenging conditions like Lewy body disease.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new, gentle light therapy for Lewy body disease.
The therapy uses red and infrared light to potentially boost brain cell activity.
It's non-drug approach that has shown promise in similar brain conditions.
Participants will either receive the light therapy or a comparison treatment.
The goal is to find new ways to improve symptoms for people with Lewy body disease.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 50 years old and have received a diagnosis of probable Lewy body disease (or an early stage of the disease). You'll need to be able to speak and understand French well and have someone, like a family member or carer, who can provide information about you and help with your care during the study. It's also important that you can understand what the study involves and agree to take part, and your head size needs to be between 54 and 62 centimeters.

You won't be able to join if you have other serious brain conditions like a brain tumour or a stroke that affects your thinking. People with very low scores on memory tests, those who can't have an MRI scan, or those allergic to silicone also can't take part. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you're taking certain medications for epilepsy (Keppra), or if other medications have changed recently (within 2 months for some, 15 days for others), you won't be able to join this particular study. Also, if you have a head injury or an unusual head shape, or if you need life support or have implanted medical devices like pacemakers, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 50 or over?
Do you have a diagnosis of probable Lewy body disease?
Can you speak and understand French well?
Do you have a carer or family member who can help provide information?
Is your head circumference between 54 and 62 cm?
Are you able to agree to take part and understand the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll either receive the special light therapy using the medical device or go through the same process without the device (this helps researchers compare). The study will involve regular visits for checks and assessments to see how you're responding. Researchers will monitor your progress and gather information about your thinking, movement, and general well-being. The total duration of your participation in the study will be explained to you by the research team, including how many visits and assessments are needed.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this could potentially offer benefits, such as access to a new treatment that isn't widely available yet, which might help with your symptoms. It also means you’d be contributing important information that could help others with Lewy body disease in the future. As with any study, there might be some small risks, such as mild side effects from the light therapy, or discomfort during assessments. All known risks will be fully explained before you agree to take part. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France

Common questions

What is transcranial photobiomodulation?

It's a gentle treatment that uses red and infrared light, shone on the head, to stimulate brain cells and help them work better.

Is this light therapy safe?

Yes, transcranial photobiomodulation is considered a non-invasive and safe technique. All potential risks will be discussed.

Will I definitely receive the light therapy?

Some participants will receive the active light therapy, while others will have a 'sham' treatment (no light) to help researchers compare results fairly.

What is Lewy body disease?

It's a common type of dementia that affects thinking, movement, and behaviour, caused by tiny clumps of protein called Lewy bodies in the brain.

How long will the study last?

The exact duration of your involvement will be discussed with you by the research team if you are eligible.

How to find out more

Frédéric Professor BLANC, Professor

frederic.blanc@chru-strasbourg.fr +33 3 88 11 56 24 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.