Research on Light Therapy and Parkinsonโs Disease
Parkinsonโs disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting movement, cognition, and quality of life. Early research into photobiomodulation is showing promising signals, exploring how light therapy may support brain function through its effects on mitochondrial health, blood flow, and inflammation.
Parkinsonโs disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting movement, cognition, and quality of life. Early research into photobiomodulation is showing promising signals, exploring how light therapy may support brain function through its effects on mitochondrial health, blood flow, and inflammation.
Signs and Symptoms of Parkinsonโs Disease
Symptoms of Parkinsonโs disease include (Mayo Clinic, n.d.):
- Tremors
- Slowed movement, also called bradykinesia
- Rigid muscles
- Poor posture and balance
- Loss of automatic movements (ex. swinging arms while walking)
- Speech changes (slurring, sounding monotone)
- Writing changes
Biomarkers of Parkinsonโs Disease
What Causes Symptoms of Parkinsonโs?
FAQs
What results can be expected and when?
Types of results and their timelines vary depending on the individuals. However, a combination of research and anecdotal evidence from providers suggests some expected results to be the following: improved language capabilities, improvements in emotional regulation, decreased repetitive behaviours, and improved social skills/engagement. While some clients may see results very quickly, others may take a few months.
What is mitochondrial dysfunction?
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a term that encapsulates dysfunction in various operations of the mitochondria. With mitochondria being the main energy producers of the cell, dysfunction can lead to reduced ATP (energy) production, increased oxidative stress, and difficulty maintaining healthy cell function. When mitochondria canโt keep up with the bodyโs energy demands or fail to remove damaged components, it can affect brain function, muscle strength, immune response, and overall vitality. Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to many conditions, including fatigue, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders (Zong et al., 2024).
How many PBM sessions will I need?
Benefits can often be noticed within a few sessions, especially related to sleep and mental clarity. For cognitive improvements, consistent use over several weeks or months is typically recommended. As AD is often referred to as a neurodegenerative disease with genetic components, incorporating light therapy as a regular lifestyle habit can support overall brain health and give your brain the best chance to stay at its most performing level over time.
Is PBM safe?
Yes. PBM is FDA-cleared for various applications and has a strong safety profile. Itโs non-invasive, painless, and has no known serious side effects when used as directed.
References
Liebert, A., Bicknell, B., Laakso, E.-L., Heller, G., Jalilitabaei, P., Tilley, S., Mitrofanis, J., & Kiat, H. (2021, July 2). Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinsonโs disease using photobiomodulation: A prospective proof-of-concept study. BMC Neurology, 21, Article 256. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02248-y
Meiser, J., Weindl, D., & Hiller, K. (2013, May 17). Complexity of dopamine metabolism. Cell Communication and Signaling, 11(1), Article 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-811X-11-34
Mohammed, H. S., Hosny, E. N., Sawie, H. G., & Khadrawy, Y. A. (2023, December). Transcranial photobiomodulation ameliorates midbrain and striatum neurochemical impairments and behavioral deficits in reserpine-induced parkinsonism in rats. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 22(12), 2891โ2904. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43630-023-00497-z
Moro, C., El Massri, N., Darlot, F., Torres, N., Chabrol, C., Agay, D., Auboiroux, V., Johnstone, D. M., Stone, J., Mitrofanis, J., & Benabid, A.-L. (2016). Effects of a higher dose of near-infrared light on clinical signs and neuroprotection in a monkey model of Parkinsonโs disease. Brain Research, 1648 (Part A), 19โ26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2016.07.005P
ajares, M., Rojo, A. I., Manda, G., Boscรก, L., & Cuadrado, A. (2020). Inflammation in Parkinsonโs Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Cells, 9(7), 1687. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9071687
Siderowf, A., Concha-Marambio, L., Lafontant, D.-E., Farris, C. M., Ma, Y., Urenia, P. A., Nguyen, H., Alcalay, R. N., Chahine, L. M., Foroud, T., Galasko, D., Kieburtz, K., Merchant, K., Mollenhauer, B., Poston, K. L., Seibyl, J., Simuni, T., Tanner, C. M., Weintraub, D., Videnovic, A., Choi, S. H., Kurth, R., Caspell-Garcia, C., Coffey, C. S., Frasier, M., Oliveira, L. M. A., Hutten, S. J., Sherer, T., Marek, K., & Soto, C.; Parkinsonโs Progression Markers Initiative. (2023). Assessment of heterogeneity among participants in the Parkinsonโs Progression Markers Initiative cohort using ฮฑ-synuclein seed amplification: A cross-sectional study. The Lancet Neurology, 22(5), 407โ417. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(23)00109-6
Surmeier, D. J. (2018, August 14). Determinants of dopaminergic neuron loss in Parkinsonโs disease. FEBS Journal, 285(19), 3657โ3668. https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.14607
Wakabayashi, K., Tanji, K., Mori, F., & Takahashi, H. (2007). The Lewy body in Parkinsonโs disease: Molecules implicated in the formation and degradation of ฮฑ-synuclein aggregates. Neuropathology, 27(5), 494โ506. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1789.2007.00803.x
