NIR & The Brain

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Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is emerging as a promising non-invasive treatment modality for various neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. This therapeutic approach utilizes specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to modulate cellular function, particularly targeting mitochondrial activity.

The primary mechanism of action involves the absorption of photons by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, leading to increased ATP production, improved cellular metabolism, and enhanced tissue oxygenation. This bioenergetic boost has cascading effects on neuronal function and brain physiology.

PBMT for Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Disorders:

NIR light, as part of PBMT, has shown potential in treating various brain disorders. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in:

• Alzheimer's Disease (AD): A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial using a combination of LED helmet and abdominal belt in mild-moderate AD patients showed improvements in cognitive function *4.
• Parkinson's Disease (PD): PBMT applied to the head and other body parts resulted in approximately 75% overall improvement in PD symptoms *4.
• Depression and Anxiety: Clinical research, including the Elated-2 trial, has shown that transcranial light therapy demonstrated antidepressant properties with medium to large effect sizes in patients with major depressive disorder.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: An 8-week open-label study using 830 nm LED therapy showed significant improvements in autism-related scales *4.

Mechanisms of Action:

PBMT, particularly using NIR wavelengths, is thought to work through several mechanisms:

• Stimulating mitochondrial function and increasing ATP production
• Enhancing cerebral blood flow and tissue oxygenation
• Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
• Promoting neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis
• Modulating neurotransmitter systems *5

PBMT for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

While traditional light therapy for SAD typically uses bright, full-spectrum light, emerging research suggests that NIR light as part of PBMT could be beneficial:

• NIR light can penetrate deeper into brain tissues compared to visible light
• It may help regulate circadian rhythms and melatonin production, which are often disrupted in SAD *2 - 3

PBMT for ADHD:

Although research on PBMT specifically for ADHD is limited, there are indications of its potential:

• A pilot study using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) neurofeedback showed significant reduction in ADHD symptoms after 12 sessions, as reported by parents and teachers *1.
• The study demonstrated improvements in cognitive function and attention1.

Safety and Tolerability:

PBMT, including NIR light therapy, has generally been reported as safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects *3 - 4.

In conclusion, findings suggest that NIR light as part of PBMT holds promise for treating various brain disorders, including SAD and ADHD. Its non-invasive nature and broad effects on brain function make it an interesting avenue for further investigation in the field of neuropsychiatry.