Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2023, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (9): 1944-1945.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.366499

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Transcranial photobiomodulation with near-infrared light: a promising therapeutic modality for Alzheimer’s disease

Hanli Liu, Damir Nizamutdinov, Jason H. Huang*#br#   

  1. Bioengineering Department, the University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA (Liu H)
    Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, TX, USA (Nizamutdinov D, Huang JH) 
    Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Temple, TX, USA (Nizamutdinov D, Huang JH)
  • Online:2023-09-15 Published:2023-03-06
  • Contact: Jason H. Huang, MD, Jason.Huang@bswhealth.org.
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported in part by the National Institute of Mental Health at the National Institutes of Health under the BRAIN Initiative (RF1MH114285) (to HL).

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Abstract: Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that delivers near-infrared (NIR) light with low irradiance (i.e., power density in mW/cm2) in the wavelength range of 800–1070 nm. Several recently published books or collected literature (Hamblin, 2019; Gonzalez-Lima, 2021) and papers (Nizamutdinov et al., 2022) offer comprehensive reviews of the mechanism of action and potential clinical translations of tPBM for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Parkinson’s disease), traumatic brain injury, stroke, and psychiatric disorders (depression and post-traumatic stress disorder). This communication focuses on the feasibility and benefits of tPBM in treating patients with AD. The socio-economic burden of AD is significant and will only increase with longer life expectancy unless effective interventions are developed. Currently, none of the therapeutic strategies have been successful in treating or alleviating the symptoms of AD.