In a groundbreaking development for neurotechnology and elderly care, Iranian researchers have unveiled the country’s first prototype of 40-Hz cognitive light therapy glasses. Designed to support individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the innovation marks a major step toward localizing advanced non-pharmaceutical brain therapies in Iran.
The wearable device emits flickering light at a frequency of 40 hertz—aligned with global optical safety standards—and is tailored to improve cognitive function through gamma rhythm stimulation, a technique shown in international studies, such as those at MIT, to reduce pathological brain deposits associated with Alzheimer’s.
The project was led by a multidisciplinary team at the Science and Technology Park of Amirkabir University of Technology, in collaboration with the Neuroscience Research Center at Iran University of Medical Sciences.
“In recent years, Alzheimer’s disease has been recognized as one of the greatest public health challenges for the elderly,” said Seyyed Saeed Al-Hashemi, one of the lead researchers. “Our goal was to design and build a prototype that would present this technology in a native, usable, and secure context.”
The prototype’s design focuses on everyday usability for elderly individuals. In addition to developing a precise electronic circuit and optical algorithm to produce 40 Hz pulses, the team prioritized ergonomic features and safety. It is currently undergoing basic performance testing before advancing to human and clinical trials.
Danial Nejad Masoum, director of the project’s R&D department, emphasized the innovation’s dual role: “This project not only brings scientific advancement but also offers scalable potential for clinical and caregiving settings.”
Al-Hashemi highlighted the broader vision: “This is the first step towards localizing cognitive light therapy technology in Iran. Our next phase will focus on refining user experience—improving portability and comfort—while launching full-scale clinical effectiveness studies.”
Compared to similar technologies under development in the U.S., particularly at MIT, Iran’s prototype offers a cost-effective and optimized design. The researchers believe this local innovation will help close the technological gap and promote digital health solutions for brain disorders.
“This is not just a scientific breakthrough,” Al-Hashemi added. “It is a technological achievement with the potential to impact lives and set a foundation for future therapeutic innovations in Iran.”
