Age is the risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, and it affects 40 million patients worldwide. The number is projected to triple by 2050. AD is a multifactorial disease, and no drug treatment has been available that may effectively reverse or prevent this neurodegenerative condition. This disease is distinguished by decreased memory and cognitive function, which progressively disables the patients from doing their everyday activities. Though AD incidence is less prevalent when compared with cardiovascular disease, it can have a huge social and emotional impact on people. Many innovative treatments available in the form of drugs and lifestyle interventions can offer condition management. Low-level laser light/red light therapy, popularly known as LLLT or RLT is one of those advanced treatment modalities for alleviating symptoms.

Red Light Therapy: Mechanism
Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of phototherapy that involves noninvasive light-emitting diodes used to expose the skin and deeper tissues to red or near-infrared light. The wavelengths range from 630 to 850 nanometers, and no damage to the tissue occurs. Mitochondrial stimulation is one of the driving factors behind RLT; mitochondria are the cell element responsible for the energy the cell produces.
When the light falls on it, it tends to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondria. It increases important cellular functions and repair mechanisms, resulting in less inflammation and a source for better health. Traditionally RLT has helped in: acne, wrinkle reduction, and wound healing. Nowadays, the applicability of RLT is extended to other conditions related to musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pains, and a variety of neurologic diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease.
How is red light therapy related to Alzheimer's therapy?
Red light therapy can target diseases directly, like Alzheimer's, which attacks neuronal cells that use ATP to restore function, just as other cells do. RLT possibly augments the production of ATP to help maintain neuronal health and functionality for better neurodegenerative disease management. Now, let's look at the exciting benefits of red light therapy:
Neuroprotective Role
RLT has been found to act on one of the most basic mechanisms in predisposing the neuronal cell to die in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, which is oxidative stress. Increased mitochondrial activity is associated with a decrease in the damage from oxidation that has been long considered a byproduct of neuronal degeneration. Transcranial application of photobiomodulation has been performed to enhance mitochondrial functioning, leading to increases in cellular energy production. RLT might have a mechanistic influence on the course of progressive neurodegeneration disorders and support the maintenance of cognitive functions.
Alleviate Inflammation
Inflammation channel development and progression of AD: Activation of the microglial cells, the resident immune cells in the brain, leads to chronic inflammation, which hastens neurodegeneration by means of neuronal damage. Activation of microglial cells or immune cells within the brain promotes chronic inflammation, which accelerates neurodegenerative rates through neuronal loss. RLT has anti-inflammatory power as cited in the literature. It is capable of reducing inflammation within the brain; hence, it can avert neuronal death and slow the process of AD.
Cognitive Acceleration
red light therapy can improve cognitive components - memory and learning. Although the mechanisms are still not known, it is hypothesized that RLT improves cognition, supports mood and sleep quality, and brain health.

How to Administer Red Light Therapy for Patients Benefits?
Here's how you might consider implementing red light therapy for Alzheimer's:
Consult a Doctor
Before seeking out any therapy, especially in the case of a disease like Alzheimer's, talk with your neurologist or another healthcare professional who knows about Alzheimer's practice as well as alternative therapies.
Make sure the treatment does not interfere with the other treatments and drugs that your patient is taking.
Learn the Red Light Therapy Basics
The red light therapy makes use of wavelengths that range from 600-1,000 nm and although the near-infrared light falls within 700–900 nm ,it effective for penetrating through your skull to reach brain tissues efficiently.
Select a Good Machine
Helmets or Caps Devices: The NeuroTherapy LED Helmet helps spread light coverage over the head.
Develop a Treatment Protocol
Frequency: Treatments are typically delivered several times a week, from 3–5 days per week. Please refer to healthcare professionals or device manufacturers for exact instructions.
Session lengths: 15-30 minutes each
Monitor progress- and adjust accordingly.
It is important to monitor cognitive abilities and health status frequently. Performing cognitive tests, obtaining observed data, and looking for changes in performance (and side effects) on medications can be helpful.
Protocol has to be altered according to the response and that should only happen under medical supervision.
In Combination With Other Therapies
Red light therapy with other evidence-based therapeutic strategies such as Mediterranean diet, exercise & cognitive training.
Safety Considerations
Although RLT is considered generally safe, some people may experience side effects, such as eye strain and skin irritation. Use protective eyewear if needed and avoid overexposure.
Conclusion
Red light therapy - neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits that could hold promise for quality of life in Alzheimer's patients, perhaps even helping to slow the progression of cognitive decline It is not effective as monotherapy in this disease. Ideally, it should be included as part of a therapy adjunct and its implementation should occur concomitantly with current treatments; drugs, cognitive therapies or lifestyle changes etc.
References
[1] Breijyeh, Z., Karaman, R. A Review on Alzheimer's Disease: CausesTreatment. Molecules25(24), 5789. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245789
[2] Johnstone DM, Moro C, Stone J, Benabid AL, Mitrofanis J. Turning On Lights to Stop Neurodegeneration: The Potential of Near Infrared Light Therapy in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci. 2016 Jan 11;9:500. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26793049/
[3] Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/
[4]Valverde A, Hamilton C, Moro C, Billeres M, Magistretti P, Mitrofanis J. Lights at night: does photobiomodulation improve sleep? Neural Regen Res. 2023 Mar;18(3):474-477. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.350191. PMID: 36018149; PMCID: PMC9727457. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9727457/
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