A novel noninvasive treatment is improving quality of life for memory care residents—light therapy. A six-week pilot study has improved cognitive functions such as mood and sleep at LeadingAge member Masonicare, based in Wallingford, CT, which offers a full continuum of senior health and residential living options. The results offer promise for a new treatment that, at scale, could have wide-ranging socioeconomic benefits for residents, caregivers, and the health care system.

The report notes that non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy, reminiscence programs, and structured activities often are time-intensive for staff, as well as underfunded. The EVY LIGHT® device by OptoCeutics, a 40 Hz Invisible Spectral Flicker (ISF) device, is innovative because it is passive. It requires only that staff install the device in residents’ rooms, then ensure that residents receive an hour daily of light exposure. The pilot study examined how ISF therapy performs in a long-term care setting and whether the outcomes are also beneficial for caregivers, care staff, and families.

Pilot Brought Consistently Positive Results

The pilot study placed the EVY LIGHT® in the rooms of ten residents. The device creates a smooth flicker, with research to date indicating that 40 Hz light therapy can reduce the amyloid plaques of Alzheimer’s disease.

Caregivers’ impressions were used to determine results, as self-reporting may be unreliable in dementia care patients. Across the study period, caregivers noted consistent positive net improvements across all five assessed domains:

• Mood – 67.9%
• Sleep – 64.3%
• Focus – 44.6%
• Energy – 28.6%
• Memory – 25.0%

No “worse” assessments were reported starting with the third week. The results indicate that residents experienced improved quality of life.

The improvements in residents’ well-being yielded benefits for caregivers as well, informing one of the research goals. After the pilot study ended, caregivers reported decreased care burden—improved resident cooperation, fewer sleep-related disruptions, and less time needed for direct care. In addition, family members noted improvements in residents’ mood and engagement.

Masonicare at Mystic Executive Director Lauren Dubuque told McKnight’s Senior Living that “the best outcomes appeared when the therapy became part of a structured wellness routine rather than a standalone intervention.” Dubuque shared that residents’ responses were most positive when they completed their light therapy while enjoying an activity, connecting with others, or carrying out a calming ritual.

Based on the positive outcomes, the study’s authors recommend larger-scale controlled studies. They highlighted the potential of this therapy to improve quality of life for residents, care teams, and families, while extending positive outcomes to facilities, insurers, and public health systems caring for people with dementia.