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Far-Infrared Therapy for the Effect of Alzheimer Disease Dementia
Sponsor: Juin-Hong Cherng
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, including impaired learning ability, memory loss, and behavioral disturbances. According to surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan, the prevalence of dementia among individuals aged 65 years and older was estimated at 7.86% in 2018, affecting more than 280,000 individuals, and is projected to approach 900,000 by 2065, resulting in substantial medical, social, and economic burdens. Current pharmacological treatments provide only limited symptomatic benefits and may be associated with adverse effects. Therefore, safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions that may support cognitive function and reduce caregiver burden are urgently needed. Experimental studies suggest that far-infrared (FIR) irradiation may enhance mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, increase ATP production, and promote microglial amyloid-β clearance, which may help delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This trial aims to investigate the safety and effects of far-infrared (FIR) therapy on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The findings may support the clinical application of FIR therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve cognitive function and quality of life, reduce medication burden and treatment-related side effects, lessen caregiver burden, delay institutionalization, and reduce the social and economic burden associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: To Explore the Effect of Far Infrared Therapy on Cognitive Function of Patients With Dementia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
61 Years - 92 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2022-10-15
Completion Date
2029-10-31
Last Updated
2026-06-26
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Yin Fu Rui De Far-Infrared Radiator
The investigational device is a head-mounted far-infrared therapy device manufactured in Taiwan. * Emission wavelength: 4-14 μm * Heating mechanism: ceramic semiconductor heating element * Design: head-mounted structure with external housing to reduce energy dissipation * Application sites: Fengfu (GV16) and Baihui (GV20) Regulatory status: Approved medical device (Medical Device License No. 006083 issued by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA), Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan). Approved indications include relief of fatigue, improvement of local blood circulation, and reduction of muscle stiffness and neuralgia. In this study, the device is used investigationally to evaluate potential effects on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease dementia.
Sham Far-Infrared Radiator
The sham device is identical in appearance to the active device but without active far-infrared emission. It is used to maintain participant blinding and control for non-specific effects in device-based interventions.
Locations (1)
Trial-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical University
Taipei, Taiwan