What is 40hz Therapy?

Written by Nguyenjessica 

Published on February 6 , 2025

Key Points
  1. Non-Invasive Treatment: 40Hz therapy uses light and sound to enhance brain rhythm synchronization, offering a non-invasive method to potentially improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.
  2. Reduces Key Alzheimer’s Markers: Studies suggest 40Hz therapy helps clear amyloid beta and tau proteins, associated with Alzheimer’s progression, potentially slowing cognitive decline.
  3. Promising Early Results: Both animal and human studies show improved brain connectivity and cognition, with no major safety concerns, though more research is needed to confirm long-term effectiveness.

Table of contents

What is 40Hz therapy ？

How was 40Hz light and sound therapy discovered as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

What are the scientific studies and evidence supporting the effectiveness of 40Hz therapy?

How long and how frequently should 40Hz therapy sessions be conducted for optimal results?

What are the potential benefits for Alzheimer's and dementia patients?

Are there any side effects or safety concerns associated with 40Hz therapy?

How does 40Hz therapy compare to other conventional treatments for Alzheimer's and dementia?

What is 40hz Therapy?

40Hz therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that uses specific frequencies of light and sound to modulate brain activity. The core of this therapy involves delivering external stimulation to the brain at a frequency of 40 hertz (40 vibrations per second), which produces a synchronizing effect on neurons.

 

In recent years, researchers have discovered that brain activity in Alzheimer’s patients often becomes irregular, a condition closely linked to disruptions in neuronal synchronization. By applying 40Hz therapy, scientists aim to restore normal brain rhythms in these patients, potentially improving brain function. One significant area of progress is the removal of beta-amyloid protein, a key pathological protein in Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that 40Hz light and sound stimulation can activate microglia, the brain’s immune cells, which help clear harmful protein buildup and reduce inflammation.

How was 40Hz light and sound therapy discovered as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

Research into 40Hz light therapy for Alzheimer’s began in 2016, offering a new perspective on treating this challenging disease. In groundbreaking work, scientists discovered that exposing the brain to flickering light and clicking sounds at 40Hz could reduce amyloid protein buildup—a key marker of Alzheimer’s. This therapy also seemed to prevent neuron death and preserve synapses, the vital connections between brain cells.

 

One of the pivotal studies, led by Li-Huei Tsai and her team, revealed that light flickering at this specific frequency could significantly reduce beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques are closely linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s and are believed to interfere with memory and learning. Their findings showed not only a reduction in these harmful proteins but also sustained learning and memory improvements in mouse models of Alzheimer’s. This promising discovery sparked global interest in exploring 40Hz light and sound therapy as a potential non-invasive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

 

While these early results are exciting, much of the research is still in its infancy. The hope lies in translating these findings from animal studies to human trials, where the ultimate goal is to develop safe and effective therapies that could slow or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s.

What are the scientific studies and evidence supporting the effectiveness of 40Hz therapy?

Mouse Studies

Research led by Li-Huei Tsai's lab at MIT (2016-2019) demonstrated the powerful effects of 40 Hz stimulation in mice. Exposing mice to light, sound, or a combination of both at this frequency improved learning and memory, reduced brain atrophy, and lowered levels of amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau proteins—key markers of Alzheimer’s disease. The therapy also preserved neurons and synaptic connections, while enhancing overall brain health. Interestingly, combining light and sound stimulation produced the most pronounced benefits, showcasing the synergy of these modalities. Separate studies further highlighted the role of 40 Hz vibrations in improving brain health.

Human Studies

Building on animal research, human clinical trials have been conducted with encouraging results:

  • Phase 1 Trial: This study confirmed that 40 Hz sensory stimulation was safe, with no major adverse effects reported. EEG measurements indicated increased 40 Hz rhythm and synchrony in the brain, even in participants with mild Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Phase 2A Pilot Study: Patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s who underwent daily 40 Hz light and sound therapy for three months showed better brain connectivity in regions responsible for cognition and visual processing. Unlike the control group, treated patients did not experience reductions in hippocampal volume or increases in ventricle size. However, improvement in cognitive tests was limited, likely due to constraints such as a small sample size and short study duration.

Feasibility Studies

A feasibility study involving a smart tablet application delivering 40 Hz light and sound highlighted the practicality of this therapy. Among 11 participants who completed six months of treatment, improvements in cognition were observed in some individuals, particularly in memory-related tasks. Entrainment of 40 Hz rhythms in the cerebral cortex was confirmed via EEG, further validating the effectiveness of this approach. Nevertheless, compliance issues and external health challenges were noted as barriers to therapy among those who discontinued.

Conclusion

While the evidence for 40 Hz therapy is still in its early stages, the results so far are promising. From improving neural synchrony to reducing pathological markers, this non-invasive treatment may offer a safe and accessible approach for combating Alzheimer’s disease. Further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to fully uncover its efficacy and establish it as a standard therapeutic option for neurodegenerative conditions.
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How long and how frequently should 40Hz therapy sessions be conducted for optimal results?

It is generally recommended to use the device for one hour per day, and studies have shown that it usually takes about three months to see results. Make adjustments as needed and pay attention to the physical and psychological response.
Individuals with epilepsy should use the device with caution.

What are the potential benefits for Alzheimer's and dementia patients?
  • Improved Gamma Rhythm: 40 Hz stimulation enhances the power and synchrony of gamma rhythms in the brain, which are associated with cognitive functions like memory and attention.
  • Amyloid and Tau Reduction: Studies suggest that 40 Hz stimulation can reduce levels of amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau proteins, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.
  • Preservation of Brain Structure: Treated patients in studies experienced less reduction in hippocampal volume and increased ventricle volume, along with better connectivity across brain regions involved in cognitive and visual processing.
  • Cognitive Improvement: Some studies have reported improvements in learning and memory in mouse models, and potential for improved cognitive function in human trials.
  • Non-Invasive: 40 Hz therapy is non-invasive, making it a potentially accessible and less intrusive treatment option.
  • Improved Sleep Patterns: 40-hertz stimulation has been linked to more consistent sleep patterns.
  • Myelin Preservation: 40Hz light and sound stimulation slowed the loss of myelin in volunteers with Alzheimer's.
  • Amyloid Clearance: Stimulating a key brain rhythm with light and sound increases peptide release from interneurons, driving clearance of Alzheimer's protein via the brain's glymphatic system.

Are there any side effects or safety concerns associated with 40Hz therapy?

40 Hz therapy is generally considered safe, with studies reporting no serious adverse effects in Alzheimer's patients.
Reported side effects:


1.Feeling sleepy or drowsy
2.Mild eye strain
3.Mild headaches
4.Feelings of fatigue
5.Rarely, feelings of anxiety and discomfort


To mitigate potential side effects, it is recommended to start with low volume and intensity, gradually increasing them to suit individual comfort levels. 
A clinical trial reported that none of the patients experienced seizures, headaches, or nausea. Both treated and control volunteers in a Phase 2A study reported no serious adverse events, and both groups used their devices consistently. A feasibility study also reported no side effects. 

How does 40Hz therapy compare to other conventional treatments for Alzheimer's and dementia?

Conventional Treatments(Medications)

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors support memory and communication between nerve cells by increasing acetylcholine levels. Typically prescribed for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s.
  • Glutamate Regulators like Memantine improve reasoning and memory by regulating glutamate activity, suitable for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s.
  • Focus: Primarily addresses symptom management without halting disease progression.
  • Progression: New FDA-approved drugs like Donanemab and Lecanemab target disease progression, but their impact is still evolving.

40 Hz Therapy

  • Mechanism: Focuses on restoring gamma oscillations, reducing amyloid and tau proteins—key hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. It uses non-invasive light and sound stimulation at 40 Hz to enhance brain rhythm synchronization.
  • Potential Benefits: Studies suggest promising results, including improved cognition, reduced brain atrophy, and better brain connectivity.
  • Amyloid Clearance: Research indicates its ability to clear amyloid using the brain’s glymphatic system.
  • Emerging Evidence: While not yet FDA-approved, it is undergoing clinical trials with encouraging preliminary findings.

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