Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease Made Possible by the Evidence of a Brain-Gut Interconnection

Authors: Guillaume Blivet, François J. Roman, Benjamin Lelouvier, Céline Ribière, Jacques Touchon
Published in: Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, 2024; 23(5): 92
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2305092
Access Link: IMR Press

Key Findings & Conditions PBM May Benefit

This article discusses Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by targeting the brain–gut axis. AD is associated with gut dysbiosis, systemic inflammation, and neurodegeneration, and PBMT may provide a multi-targeted approach to modulate these disease pathways.

PBMT Effects on the Gut and Brain

PBMT applied to both the brain (transcranial) and the gut (abdominal) may help:

• Reduce neuroinflammation via immune modulation.

• Support mitochondrial function by stimulating cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) in brain cells.

• Alter gut microbiome composition, potentially decreasing pro-inflammatory bacteria and increasing neuroprotective species.

• Enhance cognitive function, as supported by preliminary clinical trials.

Specific PBMT Protocols Mentioned

This article does not specify exact PBM wavelengths (nm) but confirms the use of red and near-infrared (NIR) light.

• Transcranial PBMT: Targets brain mitochondria to enhance ATP production, synaptogenesis, and neurogenesis.

• Abdominal PBMT: Aims to restore gut microbiota balance, modulate immune responses, and reduce peripheral inflammation.

Other Conditions PBMT May Benefit (as listed in the article)

Beyond Alzheimer’s disease, the article mentions PBMT as a potential therapy for:

1. Neurodegenerative Disorders

• Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

• Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

2. Inflammatory & Autoimmune Conditions

• Psoriasis

• Autoimmune thyroiditis

3. Metabolic & Cardiovascular Diseases

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

• Obesity & metabolic syndrome

4. Gastrointestinal & Gut-Brain Axis Disorders

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• Clostridium difficile infections (CDI)

5. Psychiatric & Cognitive Conditions

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Anxiety Disorders

Conclusion

The article concludes that PBMT may be a promising non-pharmacological therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, particularly when applied to both the brain and gut. Its ability to modulate multiple disease mechanisms simultaneously makes it a strong candidate for further clinical research.

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial (June 2023) is currently evaluating PBMT’s cognitive benefits in AD patients, with initial results showing improvements. The therapy’s affordability, safety, and accessibility make it a viable at-home and clinical treatment option, though more research is needed to determine optimal treatment parameters.