Unlocking Cognitive Potential: Can Red Light Therapy Illuminate the Path to Better Brain Health for People Living with Brain Disorders?
Imagine this: You’re sitting at your kitchen table, struggling to recall the name of someone you met yesterday. You can’t quite place where you left your keys for the third time this week.
For some, these moments are fleeting annoyances.
But for others, especially those living with neurological conditions or recovering from a brain injury, such lapses are a stark reminder of how fragile our cognitive function can be.
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The quest to regain mental clarity or simply preserve brain health is an urgent one. Enter Red Light Therapy (RLT) for brain health, an innovative, non-invasive treatment that’s sparking conversations in neurological rehabilitation.
Could something as simple as light hold the power to heal the brain? As an experienced Occupational Therapist, I’ve walked alongside clients navigating cognitive challenges, and today, I want to share with you the exciting potential of RLT for brain health.
This isn’t a promise of a miracle cure, nor is it a sweeping endorsement.
Rather, this is about exploring the science, the hope, and the practical applications of photobiomodulation therapy—delivered in a way that makes sense for you or someone you support.
Shedding Light on Red Light Therapy for Brain Health
The first time I encountered red light therapy {photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT)} was through a client living with mixed type of dementia and later being exposed to research in traumatic brain injury (TBI). applying it personally was my first step “It feels warm,” and after their first session. “Like it’s waking something up inside my head.” – That’s my experience though it does echo some of the experiences I’ve observed in clients as well as the literature.
This scientifically-backed treatment delivers red and near-infrared light therapy directly to the brain, energising brain cells and promoting recovery. By enhancing mitochondrial function, PBMT has been reported to have an associated affect on executive function and overall brain performance, offering a non-invasive pathway to better cognitive health.
That simple yet profound statement echoes what the science tells us. Red light therapy works by delivering low-level red and near-infrared light into your body, where it energises your cells.
Think of it as a battery recharge for your brain.
Photobiomodulation: How Does It Work?
At its core, red light therapy enhances mitochondrial function—the powerhouse of your cells. This process boosts the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which fuels cellular repair and regeneration. But that’s not all.
It improves blood flow: Imagine your brain as a busy city, and blood flow is the transport system delivering oxygen and nutrients to every corner. RLT strengthens this system, helping your brain cells thrive.
It reduces inflammation: For those recovering from injuries or living with chronic conditions, inflammation can be like a wildfire, damaging healthy brain tissue. RLT acts as a calming force, extinguishing this fire and creating space for healing.
These mechanisms are why researchers like Carneiro et al. (2019) have reported significant improvements in cognitive function in individuals with severe TBI after undergoing transcranial photobiomodulation.
Function After Traumatic Brain Injury: One Step at a Time
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury is a journey, not a sprint. I remember working with a client—let’s call him Tom—who had sustained a TBI after a car accident. Tom struggled with memory, attention, and decision-making. His world felt smaller, constrained by the limits his injury imposed.
When Tom began red light therapy as part of his rehabilitation plan, the changes were gradual. Over weeks, his ability to focus during conversations improved. He could recall details more consistently. His partner shared that for the first time in months, they felt like they were “getting Tom back.”
Clinical studies support these experiences though it is important to note that Tom’s journey is his own and doesn’t imply any direct result to your situation. You see it appears that there not everyone has a response to red light therapy. It is observed that close to 80% have a positive response (functionally) based on small randomised control trials.
In another post we’ve explored red light therapy benefits for neurological conditions and described the clinical observations it has demonstrated, for example, has been shown to enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise and form new connections.
For individuals recovering from a TBI, regaining cognitive skills like memory, attention, and decision-making can feel like climbing a mountain.
Red light therapy, or near-infrared light therapy, may provide a way to improve function after traumatic brain injury by stimulating cellular repair and improving blood flow BUT the evidence is unclear at times.
Beyond Recovery: Boosting Cognitive Function
But red light therapy isn’t just for those recovering from injury. Many are exploring its potential to enhance cognitive performance in everyday life. Consider the ageing brain, which naturally experiences a decline in memory, attention, and processing speed.
Recent studies, like those by Chamkouri et al. (2023), reveal that RLT can improve synaptic plasticity, the process that allows brain cells to communicate effectively. For older adults—or anyone feeling the mental strain of a fast-paced life—this could mean sharper focus, quicker thinking, and better problem-solving skills.
One of my clients, an executive in his 50s, described it best: “It feels like my brain fog lifted. I’m no Einstein, but I feel sharper, more in control.”
Practical Guidance for Safe Use For Brain Function Goals
The excitement around red light therapy is palpable, but it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. Here’s what you need to know:
Wavelength Matters: Red light (630–660 nm) and near-infrared light (810–850 nm) are optimal for penetrating the skull and interacting with brain tissues.
Consistency is Key: For most individuals, sessions of 20–30 minutes, 2–3 times per week, show the best results.
Safety First: While RLT is non-invasive, it’s essential to consult a professional, like an Occupational Therapist, to determine if it’s right for you.
Devices like LED panels or intranasal applicators are accessible for at-home use, but they should always meet clinical standards.
For some, RLT is a beacon of hope. For others, it’s one piece of a larger puzzle in managing brain health. The reality is, no therapy works in isolation.
At Occupational Therapy Brisbane, we approach RLT as part of a holistic care plan. We combine it with cognitive exercises, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional support to create a tailored path forward.
Does Light Therapy Help: A Possible Tool For A Bright Future
The science of red light therapy is still unfolding, and that’s what makes it so exciting. As researchers refine treatment protocols and explore new applications, the potential to transform lives grows. As research evolves, we’re discovering innovative ways to evaluate the impact of PBMT. Advanced brain imaging techniques, such as fMRI and PET scans, are helping researchers track how light therapy maybe having an affect on cognitive performance in real-time. These tools provide critical insights into the mechanisms that drive RLT’s evidence, from cellular repair to enhanced neural connectivity BUT more is needed.
Whether you’re seeking options to help perform better when living with a neurological condition, looking to support a loved one, or simply curious about enhancing your cognitive health, red light therapy may be worth exploring.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Occupational Therapy Brisbane, we’re here to guide you with evidence-based, compassionate care. Together, we can shine a light on the possibilities for your brain health.
Carneiro, A. M. C., et al. (2019). “Transcranial Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Cognitive Rehabilitation of Patients with Cranioencephalic Trauma.” Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery(Carneiro et al., 2019, pp. 657–666). https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/photob.2019.4683
Salehpour, F., et al. (2019). “Therapeutic potential of intranasal photobiomodulation therapy for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders: a narrative review.” Reviews in the Neurosciences(Salehpour et al., 2019, pp. 269–286).
Cardoso, F., et al. (2021). “Improved Spatial Memory And Neuroinflammatory Profile Changes in Aged Rats Submitted to Photobiomodulation Therapy.” Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology(Cardoso et al., 2021, pp. 1875–1886).
Zinchenko, E., et al. (2019). “Pilot study of transcranial photobiomodulation of lymphatic clearance of beta-amyloid from the mouse brain: breakthrough strategies for non-pharmacologic therapy of Alzheimer’s disease.” Biomedical Optics Express(Zinchenko et al., 2019, pp. 4003–4017).
Cheung, M., et al. (2023). “Photobiomodulation improves frontal lobe cognitive functions and mental health of older adults with non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment: Case studies.” Frontiers in Psychology(Cheung et al., 2023).
Joshi, H., et al. (2023). “Dose response of transcranial near infrared light stimulation on brain functional connectivity and cognition in older adults—A randomized comparison.” Journal of Biophotonics(Joshi et al., 2023).
Liebert, A., et al. (2023). “Photophysical Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation Therapy as Precision Medicine.” Biomedicines(Liebert et al., 2023).
Salehpour, F., et al. (2022). “Photobiomodulation Therapy and the Glymphatic System: Promising Applications for Augmenting the Brain Lymphatic Drainage System.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences(Salehpour et al., 2022).
González-Muñoz, A., et al. (2023). “Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Pain and Inflammation: A Literature Review.” Healthcare(González-Muñoz et al., 2023).
Zhang, R., & Qu, J. (2023). “The Mechanisms and Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences(Zhang & Qu, 2023).
Gobbo, M., et al. (2023). “Photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Supportive Care in Cancer(Gobbo et al., 2023).
