Islamabad ( The COW News Digital)New medical research suggests that light therapy could offer meaningful benefits for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, improving cognitive functions, sleep patterns, and behavioral symptoms. Recent studies highlight how different forms of light treatment are being tested as supportive care for those battling dementia.
A pilot clinical trial tested Near-Infrared (NIR) photobiomodulation therapy over a 12-week period. Patients who received NIR light therapy showed significant improvement in cognitive performance, compared to only a marginal 1.0-point increase in the control group.
A systematic review of 13 studies, covering 608 patients, also confirmed the positive effects of phototherapy. Findings suggested that patients experienced improved memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. While short-term benefits were strong, the review noted that long-term effects still need further confirmation.
Another method, bright light therapy, was shown to help regulate the body’s natural clock, reducing sleep disturbances often associated with Alzheimer’s. Patients reported improved nighttime sleep, less daytime irritability, and better overall mood. Additional studies linked the therapy to reduced depression symptoms and a drop in abnormal EEG readings.
In a smaller study involving five patients, researchers used a combination of transcranial and intranasal PBM (photobiomodulation) light therapy. Over 12 weeks, patients demonstrated noticeable improvements in memory, sleep quality, and reduced anxiety. However, researchers observed that when therapy was discontinued, symptoms quickly returned, suggesting the need for consistent treatment.
An analysis published in PLOS ONE, involving 598 patients, further supported the role of light therapy in improving behavioral symptoms. Patients reported less agitation, reduced frustration, and lower stress levels, pointing to its potential as a non-drug therapeutic option.
While light therapy shows strong potential, experts emphasize that it is not a cure for Alzheimer’s but a supportive treatment that may ease symptoms. They also stress that continuous therapy is required for sustained results, as interruptions may lead to rapid decline.
As research continues, light therapy could emerge as a safe, accessible, and effective tool for enhancing the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.
