Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Human Health / Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
While there is no cure for dementia, we can improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers —
Using light!
What We Do
LHRC researchers have published 40 peer-reviewed journal articles demonstrating the power of light and how it can alleviate dementia's consequences, focusing on factors such as:
Falling asleep faster at night while consolidating sleep
Taking fewer naps and being more alert during the day
Improving mood, behavior, and depressive symptoms
Easing the burden on caregivers
Where We Are Going
Share our knowledge about the power of light to help people with dementia and their caregivers
Continue to develop a deeper understanding of how light reduces the symptoms of dementia, perhaps finding ways to slow the disease's progression
Peer-Reviewed Articles
Lighting and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: Spotlight on sleep and depression (2021)
Robust light-dark patterns and reduced amyloid load in an Alzheimer's disease transgenic mouse model (2020)
Flickering Red-Light Stimulus for Promoting Coherent 40 Hz Neural Oscillation: A Feasibility Study (2020)
Light, sleep and circadian rhythms in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (2017)
Tailored lighting intervention for persons with dementia and caregivers living at home (2015)
Research Note: A self-luminous light table for persons with Alzheimer's disease (2015)
Using Light to Manage Sleep-Wake Issues in Patients With Dementia (2015)
Effect of home-based light treatment on persons with dementia and their caregivers (2015)
Light therapy and Alzheimer's disease and related dementia: past, present, and future (2013)
Field measurements of light exposures and circadian disruption in two populations of older adults (2012)
Implications of controlled short-wavelength light exposure for sleep in older adults (2011)
Rest-Activity and Light Exposure Patterns in the Home Setting: A Methodological Case Study (2010)
Light as Therapy for Sleep Disorders and Depression in Older Adults (2008)
Developing Architectural Lighting Designs to Improve Sleep in Older Adults (2008)
Radio Interviews, Podcasts & More
Bright days, Dark Nights, Road to Resilience [for the Mount Sinai Health System] (January 12, 2022)
In Conversation with…, WAMC, Northeast Public Radio (March 10, 2022)
Human Health and Lighting with Dr. Mariana Figueiro, The DesignWell365 Podcast Episode 13 (August 12, 2022)
Better Daytime Lighting Improves Sleep Quality, Reduces Depression In Alzheimer's Patients, Study Finds, WUBR [Boston] HERE & NOW (December 17, 2019)
'Bluish' Light May Help Alzheimer's Patients Find Bearings, NPR’s All things Considered (February 19, 2014)