Explore new research showing how light therapy may help break down Alzheimer's plaques, offering hope for improved treatment and brain health.
Alzheimer’s is a complex, actively studied disease—much about its onset and progression remains unclear.
We know it is a neurodegenerative disorder that usually begins insidiously and worsens over time. The memory loss and cognitive decline that result are termed dementia; Alzheimer’s is the underlying disease process. After diagnosis, connections between nerve cells in the brain gradually deteriorate and are eventually lost.
Protein accumulation appears to drive this disconnection. In affected brain regions, abnormal protein clumps form “plaques” and “tangles,” disrupting signaling and ultimately killing nerve cells and brain tissue.
Recent work suggests certain symptoms linked to Alzheimer’s-related dementia may be eased with light therapy.
You may have heard of light therapy but not considered it for a neurodegenerative condition. This non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical approach acts at the cellular level, potentially stimulating ATP production and supporting cell renewal. Stronger, healthier cells may translate into improved overall function.
Studies indicate that 40 Hz flickering light may boost gamma brain waves, possibly mobilizing cells that clear beta-amyloid plaques formed by protein buildup.
Experiments in mice have tested a photo-oxygenation catalyst that remains inactive until activated by near-infrared light. Daily 30-minute sessions for one week reduced amyloid levels as the catalyst altered the chemical bonds within plaques. Once destabilized, the plaques were engulfed and broken down in acidic compartments by the brain’s immune cells.
Alzheimer’s.gov NIH Alzheimer’s overview
Another recent study in Neuron reports that boosting gamma oscillations may strengthen connections between nerve cells, lessen inflammation, and protect against cell death in mouse models of Alzheimer’s. The treatment appears to affect both neurons and microglia, a type of immune cell.
The team also compared gene activity in treated and untreated mice. Untreated animals showed lower expression of genes involved in DNA repair and synaptic function, whereas treated animals displayed higher activity in these genes and formed more coherent connections between nerve cells.
Advances in light therapy may offer new avenues for addressing Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions. To explore related topics, visit our blog. For questions about light therapy applications, contact our team—we’re happy to connect.
