Transcranial near-infrared therapy for cognitive performance and neurological status enhancement

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Transcranial near-infrared therapy for cognitive performance and neurological status enhancement

Borsuk Daria Ivanivna

Student of 3rd medial faculty

Kharkiv National Medical University, Ukraine

Bondarenko Maryna Anatoliyivna

PhD (Physics and Math.), Associate Professor

Associate Professor of the Department of Medical and Biological Physics

and Medical Informatics

Kharkiv National Medical University, Ukraine

Summary

There is a growing interest in non-invasive treatment options in the field of neurotherapy with transcranial near-infrared (tNIR) light demonstrating promising results across a broad spectrum of neurological disorders. This paper explores the therapeutic potential of tNIR and its efficacy in stimulating cellular functions to improve outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease as well as traumatic brain injury, stroke recovery, neuroinflammatory conditions, depression, and BDNF stimulation. Through the direct transcranial application of low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared light, tNIR stimulation activates neural tissue metabolism, modulates brain function, enhances cognitive performance, and alleviates chronic brain inflammation. This study synthesizes current research findings to illustrate the mechanisms underlying tNIR's action, evaluates its potential across various neurotherapeutic applications, and presents an overview of its current therapeutic implementations. Studies demonstrate the tNIR's capacity to penetrate the skull, stimulate neural tissues, enhance mitochondrial function, and increase ATP production. tNIR has been shown to improve cognitive functions and reduce neuroinflammation, offering a novel approach to treating neurodegenerative conditions. tNIR's application extends to stroke recovery, where it has been shown to reduce infarct zones as well as nerve regeneration through promoting synaptogenesis and BDNF stimulation.

Key words: transcranial Near-Infrared (tNIR) light stimulation, neurotherapy, nerve regeneration, photobiomodulation (PBM), neurodegenerative disease, cognitive performance, neuroinflammation, stroke recovery, brain disease, dementia treatment, traumatic brain injury (TBI).

dementia therapeutic infrared therapy

Introduction

The stimulation of nerve cells by transcranial near-infrared light (tNIR) is gaining increasing attention specifically in the field of neuroscience where the potential of tNIR to stimulate cellular function and improve the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's has been scientifically validated [1,2]. At its core, tNIR stimulation employs directing low- level wavelengths of red or near-infrared light into the skull to activate the cellular metabolism of neural tissues, offering a non-invasive means to modulate brain functions, improve cognitive performance, and reduce chronic brain inflammation. These cellular-level impacts are complemented by broader systemic effects, including enhanced neuroprotection, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) growth, stimulated angiogenesis, elevation of cerebral blood flow, and modulated immune response, collectively suggesting a versatile therapeutic potential across a spectrum of neurological conditions [3].

Objectives. To synthesize the current research findings of the mechanisms of tNIR's action and analyze the potential of transcranial photobiomodulatio n in various neurotherapeutic settings. To present an overview of tNIR's current therapeutic application and explore the novel means of treatment of different neurological disorders. To present the tNIR's role in advancing neurotherapeutic strategies, highlighting its potential in pioneering more effective, personalized, and less invasive treatments. To contribute to the advancement of innovative neurotherapeutic strategies.

Methods. Conducting a comprehensive literature review to identify and evaluate the existing research and scholarly articles related to transcranial near- infrared light stimulation in the context of neurotherapeutic applications and its potential in treating neurological conditions. Searching electronic databases, academic journals, and other credible sources to ensure a comprehensive review of the existing literature.

Reporting and discussion

Mechanisms of tNIR action: tNIR has a capacity to penetrate the skull and stimulate neural tissues enabling this therapy to modulate brain function at a cellular level (Fig. 1). This stimulation enhances mitochondrial function and ATP production, crucial for maintaining cellular metabolism and energy balance in neurons [2]. The increase in cerebral blood flow and the modulation of oxidative stress, as a result of tNIR stimulation, further contribute to its therapeutic effects. These mechanisms align with the observed improvement in cognitive performance and reduction in chronic brain inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases [4].

The potential benefits of near-infrared light transcranial application for cognitive health include: improvements in cognitive function, treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, treatment for neurological conditions, treatment for depression, and BDNF modulation.

Studies have demonstrated that tNIR light stimulation can lead to significant improvements in cognitive function, particularly in patients with dementia [5]. The infrared light spectrum is invisible to the human eye but effectively penetrates tissues and has an effect directly on the brain increasing oxygenation and local circulation which promotes anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing ROS damage. Patients with mild to moderate dementia who received tNIR light stimulation

exhibited improvements in cognitive and executive performance, as measured by various cognitive tests [1]. The study concluded that this simple and safe intervention greatly increased the quality of life for the patients.

Fig. 1. Mechanism of action of NIR and its cellular effects, from [4]

Clinical investigations have shown promising outcomes for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) using transcranial, intranasal, neck, and abdominal photobiomodulation therapy which alleviated the clinical symptoms of PD, including impaired mobility, cognition, fine motor skills, and balance as seen after statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test. These improvements were sustained over a year with continued home treatment, indicating the lasting impact of photobiomodulation on PD symptoms. Notably no adverse side effects were reported making transcranial NIR treatment safe [6].

With the failure of the drug therapies to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) there is a need for an alternative solution with transcranial photobiomodulation having the potential to become one [7]. According to the study that focused on the role of microglia and mitochondrial dysfunction in AD pathogenesis it was found that NIR mitigates hallmark features of AD such as amyloid-|3 plaques, hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and the accompanying neuroinflammation. NIR facilitated mitochondrial bioenergetics shift from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enhancing cellular metabolism and the microglial phenotype towards a reparative and antiinflammatory state, supporting neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and cognitive function tNIR has been associated with significant improvements in cognitive performance in patients with chronic, mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), and has been linked to the mitigation of cognitive and psychological impairments in individuals with traumatic brain injury [9]. Near-infrared (NIR) light use has been observed to foster significant improvements in cognitive functions, mood regulation, and sleep patterns in TBI patients, years after the initial injury. The impact on cerebral blood flow,

oxygenation, and mitochondrial function within the cortical neurons of the brain was noted as a result of the therapy (Fig. 2). The hemodynamic improvement was paralleled by positive shifts in neurocognitive functions, including visual and verbal memory, executive functioning, and processing speed, suggesting an enhancement of cognitive abilities post-treatment [10].

Fig 2. Transcranial photobiomodulation protocol, from [10]

tNIR therapy has been shown to reduce glia activation and modulate neuroinflammation in the brain, indicating its potential for mitigating neuroinflammation in the context of cognitive health [11].

The use of laser technology in regenerative medicine, particularly in the context of stroke recovery, has emerged as a key therapeutic tool. Transcranial infrared laser therapy has been instrumental in reducing the size of infarct zones and optimizing microcirculation within brain tissue. Additionally, scientific research has corroborated the role of laser technologies in stimulating neuronal growth [12].

Furthermore, infrared light has demonstrated potential in aiding nerve regeneration and treating nerve injury. Studies have shown that NIR laser therapy improves nerve function and fosters nerve regeneration in animal models [13]. The repair process involves synaptogenesis often mediated by the modulation of the nerve growth factor (BDNF). BDNF plays a vital role in sustaining synapses, promoting their growth, and expediting synaptic contacts, which can be achieved through the downregulation of synapsin-1 protein levels. Another mechanism through which NIR light stimulation contributes to the formation of new synapses involves the activation of stem cells [14].

There has been an ample amount of research dedicated to tNIR and depression treatment. Globally, depression affects approximately 300 million individuals, imposing a significant economic and social burden. Traditional treatments do not always provide relief for all patients, driving the need for alternative treatment modalities. tNIR is a promising approach due to its potential to modulate brain function, enhance cognitive performance, and mitigate symptoms of depression [15]. According to the changes in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and quantitative electroencephalographic parameters (QEEG), the impact of tNIR was suggestive of the alleviation of depressive symptoms (Table 1).

Table 1

Summary of changes in depression scores

tNIR photobiomodulation has been used for a wide variety of neurological and psychological conditions, and it has been demonstrated to be safe with minor risks and is painless [2].

Conclusion

This research underscores the promise of transcranial near- infrared stimulation as a novel and effective approach in neurotherapy. The advancements in this field could potentially lead to a paradigm shift in the treatment of neurological disorders, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for patients. As we continue to explore tNIR's capabilities, its potential to revolutionize neurotherapy and improve patient outcomes stands as a testament to the critical importance of non-invasive treatment modalities in contemporary medical practice.

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