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Photobiomodulation (PBM) Information Sheet

September, 2024

Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer disease:

decreased cognitive functioning
decreased capacity to learn new information
decreased memory capacity
decreased ability for decision making
decreased language abilities
decreased motor activities
decreased mitochondrial functioning due to decreased enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity
abnormal deposition of Beta-Amyloid protein in the brain
imbalance of mitochondrial fusion and fission proteins
increased neuronal inflammation by microglial and astrocyte cell activity
induction of heat shock proteins
induction of cyclooxygenase pathway
NF Kappa beta stimulated neuritis
increased oxidative stress from increased reactivity oxygen species (ROS)
decreased ATP production by the mitochondria
increased expression of neurofibrillary tangles

Benefits of Photobiomodulation ( PBM) in Alzheimer disease:

transcranial application of:
red light (600-770nm)
near infrared light (760-1200nm)
removes deposition of Beta-Amyloid protein in the brain
induces changes in the genetic expression BACE1 and Cathepsin B enzymes
inactivates JNK3 gene that lead to decreased endocytosis resulting in less beta-amyloid protein deposition
1070nm NIR depletes beta-amyloid deposition
improves cognitive functions such as memory and learning
promotes vasodilation by increasing cerebral blood flow
this removes metabolic waste
helps remove beta-amyloid breakdown debris
disaffiliates the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitor and thereby increasing the availability of cytochrome C oxidase (CCO) enzyme in maintaining mitochondrial membrane function and potential
increases oxygen consumption
increases glucose metabolism
increases ATP biosynthesis by the mitochondria
regulates mitochondrial homeostasis
allows for recovery of damaged human neuronal progenitor cells by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis
enhances cytochrome C oxidase activity (CCO)
increases the efficiency of ATP production by the mitochondria
improves the flow of electrons through the electron transport chain
increases mitochondrial membrane potential
specifically stimulates the activity of complex VI in the mitochondria
promotes new mitochondria generation
lowers inflammatory response
decreases neuronal degradation
shifts the microglial phenotype from M1 (proinflammatory) to M2 (antiinflammatory)
decreases Beta-Amyloid production
decreases the expression of inflammatory markers in Alzheimer disease
modulates proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha)
near infrared (NIR) light decreases microglial toxicity
near infrared (NIR) light promotes neuron survival
decreases oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS), toxins, heavy metal, etc…
increases antioxidant enzyme capacity
increase the positive aspects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by provoking cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-necrotic effects of neurons
increases cerebral blood flow through nitric oxide (NO) mediated vasodilation
decreases depression by altering glutamatergic dysfunction by regulating GLT-1 mRNA protein
enhances tissue repair
utilizes neuroprotective properties
stimulates neurogenesis (formation of new neurons)
promotes synaptogenesis (formation of new synapses)
promotes neural repair and functional recovery
influences neuronal activity by altering ion channel functioning and neurotransmitter release
has a positive effect on the rest-activity rhythm of Alzheimer disease

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

improves cognitive function
decreases post concussive symptoms
accelerate recovery in patients with mild-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI)
neuroprotective effects
anti-inflammatory effects

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in Stroke:

enhances neurogenesis (growth of new neurons)
decreases brain damage
improves functional recovery
improves motor function
enhances rehab outcomes

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in Parkinson disease:

neuroprotective from continued loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra part of the brain
may lower the accumulation of alpha synuclein within neurons called Lwey Bodies
may heal vascular damage from proinflammatory cytokines
may heal blood brain barrier leakage from proinflammatory cytokines
may heal the gut microbiome
increases mitochondrial function by increasing ATP production
lowers microglial activation from inflammation
may restore gut motility and vagus nerve activity
may reduce alpha synuclein accumulation in the gut
reduces inflammation by lowering proinflammatory cytokine levels such as TNF alpha, interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6)
decreases neuronal damage
slows disease progression
improves cognitive function
improves motor and mobility performance (i.e., walking, gait, tremors, writing, fine motor control)
may improve sense of smell
may improve mood
may improve social interactions
influences the gut microbiome to reduce alpha synuclein accumulation in the gut
may improve glymphatics which helps remove toxins from the brain
may improve confidence
may improve balance
improves angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
improves collateral and capillary revascularization
improves blood flow
improves blood filling in the cerebral hemispheres
decreases gliosis (scarring in the brain)
induces neurogenesis (new neuron formation)
induces regenerative cerebral changes

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for Pain:

analgesic effect on pain
decreases inflammation
increases tissue repair
decreases neuropathic pain by decreasing inflammation

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for Depression:

influences brain activity of glutamatergic neurons
promotes neuroplasticity
has mood modulating effects
used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals and NOT in place of meds

Excerpted from:

“Unleashing light’s healing power: an overview of photobiomodulation for Alzheimer treatment”. Ramanishankar, A., Singh, A., Begum, R., Jayasankar, N., Prajapati, B., Nirenjen, S. Future Science OA, 10:1/ fsoa-2023-0155, 2024.

“Parkinson’s Disease and Photobiomodulation: Potential for Treatment.” Bicknell, B., Liebert, A., Herkes, G. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 2024, 14, 112, pages 1-32.

“Photobiomodulation for the Brain. Photobiomodulation Therapy in Neurology and Neuropsychiatry” Salehpour, F, Sadigh-Eteghad, S., Mamoudi, J., Kamari, F., Cassano, P., Hamblin, M. Springer, 2023.

“Photobiomodulation in the Brain. Low Level Laser Light Therapy in Neurology and Neuroscience.” Edited by: Hamblin, M., Huang, Y.Y. Elsevier Academic Press, 2019.

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