Recent advances in photobiomodulation therapy for brain diseases

Abstract

Light therapy techniques, such as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and laser photoablation, have gained widespread attention and become indispensable physiotherapy methods in clinical practice. PBMT involves the application of low-level laser/LED to modulate the function of nerve cells, relieve neuroinflammation, promote neurogenesis and vascular growth. Recent studies have shown that PBMT holds promise as a complementary or alternative treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), major depressive disorder (MDD), etc. However, the therapeutic effect of PBMT is influenced by various factors, such as the patients’ condition, brain structure and function, illumination parameters, etc. Therefore, the optimized parameters, personalized therapeutic schedules, and precise evaluation of the therapeutic effect are crucial to the treatment success. In this review, we identified the recent experimental and clinical successes, existing obstacles, and future opportunities for PBMT in the treatment of the brain diseases. As a non-invasive, side-effect-free, and highly accessible technique, PBMT brings a glimmer of light for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and the neuro-rejuvenation of human brains.

Keywords

Alzheimer’s disease / low-level light therapy / major depressive disorder / photobiomodulation therapy / translational medicine / traumatic brain injury

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 The Authors. Interdisciplinary Medicine published by Wiley-VCH GmbH on behalf of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University.