Strasbourg researchers have observed cognitive improvement in mice with Alzheimer’s thanks to daily exposure to a flashing LED light at 40 Hertz. A promising track, although human studies are necessary to assert this hypothesis.
Maybe a hope for people with Alzheimer’s? This disease is the leading cause of dementia in the world. It is estimated today that 20% of people over the age of 80 are suffering from it and there is no remedy to date.
Should researchers recently made a fascinating discovery: could light allow Alzheimer to brake? An experience on laboratory mice tends to prove it.
LEDs against Alzheimer’s disease
Matthieu Aguilera, a young doctor in neuroscience conducted this study on 40 mice, half of which was then affected by Alzheimer’s disease at an early stage. By drawing inspiration from work already carried out by Boston MIT researchers, he simply installed a LED banner in front of the rodent who flashes at the precise speed of 40 Hertz.
“For a fortnight, one hour a day, we put the mice in the room, in the dark, with just the light at 40 hertz which flashes. And suddenly we noticed that they had cognitive performance again, like non-spathological mice. And they had more memory problems,” says the specialist.
Romain Goutagny, director of research at CNRS co-directed this study: “Even a month later, they still have no more troubles. Honestly, I did not believe it too so it’s still cool because it is not invasive, it does not cost much, it is a led ribbon that flashes 40 hertz an hour per day.” It’s fantastic! “
“A priori, it could work”
But when to know if it can be effective on humans, he prefers to remain cautious. “A priori, it could work. It is complicated to speak of hope because hopes are often disappointed. We hope that it will open tracks,” he said.
For this, new research will be carried out. With perhaps the possibility one day to test this bright treatment on real patients.
