Photobiomodulation for

Alzheimer's 

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive impairment, memory loss, and behavioral changes.

While there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, recent research has suggested that photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level light therapy or phototherapy, may have the potential to slow down or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer's.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves the use of low-level light energy to stimulate cellular function and promote healing. The brain is particularly sensitive to light, and research has shown that photobiomodulation (PBM) can improve brain function by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting the growth of new neurons and blood vessels. Below are some of the researched benefits of photobiomodulation (PBM) in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Reduction of amyloid-beta protein levels: PBM can reduce the levels of amyloid-beta proteins in the brain, as demonstrated in several studies published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2020 and 2018.
• Stimulation of autophagy: PBM has been shown to stimulate autophagy in brain cells, which can help to clear up amyloid-beta proteins.
• Neuroprotection: photobiomodulation (PBM) has neuroprotective effects that can protect neurons from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: photobiomodulation (PBM) has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce inflammation in the brain.
• Increased BDNF production: photobiomodulation (PBM) can increase BDNF production, which can improve neuronal function.

Researchers in Li-Huei Tsai's laboratory at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory of MIT have also shown that disrupted gamma waves in the brains of mice with Alzheimer’s disease can be corrected by a unique non-invasive technique using flickering or pulsing light. The Neuradiant 1070 is the only product available in the market that offers customizable pulsing frequencies at 1070nm.

You can learn more about the specifics of this study and the science behind PBM on this video:

A study published in 2019 in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease investigated the effects of PBM on cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s-like pathology. The study found that PBM improved cognitive function and reduced the levels of amyloid-beta plaques and tau protein, another hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology.

Another study published in 2018 in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology investigated the effects of PBM on brain cells in vitro. The study found that PBM increased the production of ATP, reduced oxidative stress, and inflammation in brain cells.

Some studies have also suggested that photobiomodulation (PBM) may promote the growth of new neurons and synapses, which could help to repair damaged brain tissue and improve cognitive function. Clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the safety and efficacy of PBM for the treatment of Alzheimer’s in humans.

In conclusion, photobiomodulation (PBM) offers a promising potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's, and further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic effects and the mechanisms by which it works.

References:

•  Buendía D, Guncay T, Oyanedel M, Lemus M, Weinstein A, Ardiles ÁO, Marcos J, Fernandes A, Zângaro R, Muñoz P. The Transcranial Light Therapy Improves Synaptic Plasticity in the Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. Brain Sci. 2022 Sep 21;12(10):1272. doi: 10.3390/brainsci12101272. PMID: 36291206; PMCID: PMC9599908. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9599908/ 
• Lee TL, Ding Z, Chan AS. Can transcranial photobiomodulation improve cognitive function? A systematic review of human studies. Ageing Res Rev. 2023 Jan;83:101786. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101786. Epub 2022 Nov 9. PMID: 36371017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36371017/ 
• Grillo, S. L., Duggett, N. A., Ennaceur, A., & Chazot, P. L. (2013). Non-invasive infra-red therapy (1072 nm) reduces β-amyloid protein levels in the brain of an Alzheimer's disease mouse model, TASTPM. Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology, 123, 13–22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23603448/ 
• Monteiro F, Carvalho Ó, Sousa N, Silva FS, Sotiropoulos I. Photobiomodulation and visual stimulation against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease pathology: A systematic review. Alzheimers Dement (N Y). 2022 Nov 25;8(1):e12249. doi: 10.1002/trc2.12249. PMID: 36447479; PMCID: PMC9695760. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9695760/
• Vrankic M, Vlahinić S, Šverko Z, Markovinović I. EEG-Validated Photobiomodulation Treatment of Dementia-Case Study. Sensors (Basel). 2022 Oct 5;22(19):7555. doi: 10.3390/s22197555. PMID: 36236654; PMCID: PMC9573554. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9573554/ 
•  Salehpour F, Khademi M, Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation Therapy for Dementia: A Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Studies. J Alzheimers Dis. 2021;83(4):1431-1452. doi: 10.3233/JAD-210029. PMID: 33935090. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33935090/