Exploring new and optimal light conditions to improve cognition, mood and health in people with dementia

Dementia poses a major global challenge. In the EU, the cost has been estimated to 160 billion Euros annually, and expenses are expected to increase with an aging population. Dementia leads to cognitive decline and loss of function. In addition, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, such as agitation and depression and sleep problems are common, affecting 90% of people with dementia. These symptoms are interconnected, yet the causal mechanisms are not fully understood. Light therapy is one of the most promising non-pharmacological treatments as it improves sleep, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Still, more research is needed to understand and optimise light as a form of therapy. The ENLIGHT project aims to provide new insights into the basic mechanisms of the effects light has on cognition, mood and sleep, and to transfer these findings to a clinical setting. This will be achieved in two sub-studies: - Study 1 is a lab-based experiment testing the immediate effects of different light modes on cognitive performance in people with dementia - Study 2 is a lab-based experiment testing the immediate effect of different light modes on mood and emotional learning and perception. In addition, these studies focus on the user experience to inform clinical use and future implementation of this technology for potential commercialization. ENLIGHT aim to develop an important non-pharmacological intervention for people with dementia.

Dementia poses a major global challenge. In the EU, the cost has been estimated to 160 billion euros annually, and this is expected to increase with an aging population. The progressive nature of dementia results in cognitive decline, loss of function, and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). BPSD and sleep problems are common, affecting 90% during the course of the disease. Circadian rhythm, sleep, cognitive functioning and BPSD are interconnected, yet the causal mechanisms are not fully understood. Use of light is one of the most promising treatments as it improves sleep, BPSD, and functioning. Still, the lack of rigorous trials and basic research involving people with dementia leaves a high potential for theoretical and methodological advancement. ENLIGHT is divided into four work packages (WP): WP1 is a lab-based experiment testing the acute effects of different light modes on cognitive performance in people with dementia (scientific advancement); WP2 is a lab-based experiment testing the acute effect of different light modes on mood and emotional learning and perception (scientific advancement); WP3 is a prospective survey, testing the effect of day light exposure on circadian rhythm, sleep, and mood in home-dwelling seniors (scientific and clinical innovation); WP4 focuses on the user-experience and potential commercialization (commercial innovation). WP4 will lay the foundation for a future international multicentre project, which will advance the research frontiers, and continue to expand the evidence-base for therapeutic interventions for people with dementia. The ENLIGHT mission is to provide new insights into the basic mechanisms of light on cognition, mood and circadian rhythms, and to transfer these findings to a clinical context.