Laser Acupuncture for Behavioral and Psycholoigcal Symptoms of Dementia

Last updated: August 31, 2023
Sponsor: School of Nursing and Fisk Foundation
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia

Vascular Dementia

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

TX315976
IRB- HUM00155287
  • Ages 65-100
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The purpose of the study is to better understand the effects of laser acupuncture therapy on disruptive behaviors and agitation in people with dementia. Participants who are 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease and/or vascular dementia living at home with a family member, have a 50% chance of being in the treatment group or comparison group. The cold laser treatments will occur in the home, twice a week, for 6 weeks and takes approximately 15 minutes. The comparison group will follow the same routine with the laser pen turned off. Family members will fill out a brief daily behavioral log during the study.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) or Vascular Dementia as documented in the medical records,
  • At least a two-week history of two or more agitated behaviors as defined by CMAI that occur at least once or twice a week,
  • Resides in assisted living facility for at least one month,
  • Stable medication regime for four weeks prior to study. Stopping or adding new medications will be discouraged. If medications are changed and they are enrolled in the study they will be retained in the study and notations about the medication will be tracked, and
  • Age 65 and over.
  • Living in MIchigan in Washtenaw county, Oakland County, Livingston County, or Wayne county

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Open areas on the skin, tattoos, moles, highly pigmented skin, seborrheic keratosis, cherry angiomas, or trauma areas that are within 2cm of the irradiation points where Laser Pen will be placed,
  • Patients who received acupuncture treatments during the preceding 6 months,
  • Acute or unstable chronic illness and cancer,
  • Past medical histories of severe head injury or anoxia, alcohol and/or drug abuse,
  • Major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, and
  • Epilepsy, and
  • Thyroid gland hyperactivity.

Study Design

Total Participants: 48
Study Start date:
Estimated Completion Date:
February 29, 2024

Study Description

Laser acupuncture therapy uses laser technology to stimulate the acupuncture points instead of using needles. The cold laser technology is virtually pain- free and noninvasive. The study involves participation for a total of 16 weeks. Participants will be asked to complete a memory test at the beginning and end of the study. Participants will have a 50% chance of going in the treatment group or a comparison group. The treatment group will receive 6 weeks of laser acupuncture treatments performed by a trained professional. Treatments will be 2 times per week, lasting 15-30 minutes. Another group will follow the same routine, but with the laser pen turned off. Treatments will take place in your own home in the community. Participants will be observed for changes in behaviors and agitation. Family members will fill out a brief daily log for 6 weeks.

Connect with a study center

  • University of Michigan, School of Nursing

    Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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