Gamma Light and Sound Stimulation in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects about half a percent of people worldwide. It can cause hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts, reduced motivation, and problems with memory and concentration. While current medications can help with hallucinations and delusions, they are often less effective for improving thinking skills and motivation-two areas that strongly affect a person's daily life.

Scientists have found that people with schizophrenia often show changes in how their brain cells communicate and synchronize their activity. In particular, a type of brain rhythm called gamma oscillation-which normally helps with attention, memory, and perception-does not function properly. These rhythmic signals depend on a healthy balance between brain cells that excite and those that inhibit activity. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to cognitive and emotional difficulties.

Our study focuses on a new non-invasive approach called Gamma Entrainment Using Sensory Stimulation (GENUS). GENUS uses light and sound flickering at 40 Hz (forty times per second) to gently stimulate the brain and restore its natural rhythmic patterns. Earlier studies have shown that this type of stimulation is safe, well-tolerated, and can improve brain activity and memory in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Because both Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia involve similar problems with gamma rhythms, GENUS may also help improve brain function and symptoms in people with schizophrenia. This study will test whether 40 Hz light and sound stimulation is safe, feasible, and beneficial for individuals living with schizophrenia. Investigators aim to understand whether this type of sensory stimulation can enhance brain activity and support improvements in thinking and daily functioning

Inclusion criteria

• Between 18-65 years of age.
• A diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
• No medication is an absolute exclusion. Medications will be reviewed by the responsible MD and a decision about inclusion will be made based on the following: the patient's past medical history, drug dose, history of recent medication changes or duration of treatment, and combination with other CNS (central nervous system) active drugs.
• The subject is willing to sign the informed consent document.
• If the subject is deemed not to have the capacity to sign the informed consent, he/she will need a legally authorized representative to provide surrogate consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects who do not have healthcare
• MRI contraindications such as the presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin or body.
• High myopia < -7 diopters, or untreated cataracts that affect vision.
• Clinical conditions:

• History of seizure or medical diagnosis of epilepsy.
• ECT history > 6 months
• Female subjects who are pregnant or currently breastfeeding.
• Longstanding premorbid history (i.e., longer than 10 years) of alcohol or substance abuse with continuous abuse up to and including the time that the symptoms leading to clinical presentation developed.
• Significant neurological or medical disorders that may produce cognitive impairment.
• Profound hearing or visual impairment.
• Eye surgery in the last 3 months or are scheduled to have eye surgery in the next 3 months (during the study)