Far-infrared therapy for thinking and memory in people with Alzheimer's disease
Tests a far-infrared heat device on thinking and memory in Alzheimer's disease.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Far-Infrared Therapy for the Effect of Alzheimer Disease Dementia
Key facts
- Where
- Taipei, TaiwanSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 61 and 92 years old?
Source: NCT07672171, who can take part
Where in Taiwan
- Trial-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical UniversityTaipei, TaiwanTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Juin-Hong Cherng
- Trial code
- NCT07672171
- Record updated
- 26 June 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
To Explore the Effect of Far Infrared Therapy on Cognitive Function of Patients With Dementia
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.
Inclusion: Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease dementia; Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 18 and 24 (inclusive); Currently prescribed and maintained on a stable regimen of anti-dementia medication; No sensory deficits or impairment regarding skin temperature perception; Patient or a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) must be willing and capable of providing written informed consent prior to enrollment.
Exclusion: Diminished thermal or heat sensitivity, such as from the concurrent use of analgesics, sedatives, or consumption of alcoholic beverages; Concomitant acute venous thrombosis, varicose veins, severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (Stage III or IV), lymphatic disease, acute rheumatoid arthritis, acute gout, or active fever; Concurrent participation in any other clinical trial; Non-Alzheimer's disease dementia (e.g., vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia); Known hypersensitivity to heat or light, including the current use of photosensitizing medications; Acute injury or acute localized inflammation, including active inflammation, infection, or ulcerated wounds; Presence of mottled erythema or other abnormal dermatological conditions on the scalp or neck; Any other underlying pathological conditions or clinical statuses that, based on medical consensus, would preclude safe participation in the study; Failure or refusal to provide signed informed consent; History or presence of hemorrhagic disorders or bleeding-related diseases; Localized skin lesions, damage, or open wounds at the device contact sites; Inability or unwillingness to comply with the trial protocols, schedules, or required follow-up evaluations.