Practical Near-Infrared Protocols for Brain Health

What to Buy, How Often, and How to Know It Is Working

Part 7 of the series: Light on Healing: How Red Light and Sunlight Protect Your Aging Brain

• Part 1: Melatonin: Not Just a Sleep Hormone – The Mitochondrial Antioxidant You’ve Never Heard Of
• Part 2: The Surprising Secret of Blue Zones: Daily Sunlight Heals
• Part 3: What Is Photobiomodulation? Red Light, NIR, and the Skin-Brain Axis
• Part 4: Does Hair Block Near-Infrared Light? A Practical Guide
• Part 5: Does a Hat or Clothing Block Near-Infrared Light?
• Part 6: From Scalp to Synapse: NIR, Melatonin, and Brain Protection
• Part 7: Can Near-Infrared Light Slow Cognitive Decline?

🎧 ▶️ Press the play button below to listen.

Introduction

You have followed the series.

You know that near-infrared (NIR) light penetrates your skull and reaches your brain. You know it triggers mitochondrial melatonin, increases ATP, reduces inflammation, and enhances blood flow.

You know the evidence for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and everyday cognitive health.

But now comes the most practical question of all:

What do I actually do? What should I buy? How often? For how long? And what about sunlight?

This article is Part 8 of the Light on Healing series. It is a standalone practical guide.

No dense science. No clinical trial deep dives. Just clear, actionable protocols for using light — both natural and artificial — to protect your brain.

We will cover:

• Sunlight as your free, foundational NIR source — when, how long, and what to wear
• Artificial PBM devices — what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose
• Protocols based on clinical trials — specific routines for MCI, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and general brain health
• How to monitor improvements at home — simple, low-cost ways to track whether light is working for you or a loved one, including the Timed Up-and-Go test, brain health logs, and monthly videos
• Safety, budgets, and sample weekly schedules

Let us begin with the most accessible, ancient, and free source of NIR light.

---

Part 1: Sunlight – Your Free, Foundational NIR Source

Before you spend money on any device, consider this.

The world’s longest-living people — in Okinawa, Sardinia, Icaria, and Nicoya — did not own red light panels. They did not take melatonin supplements. They simply lived their lives outdoors, moving in the sun.

Sunlight contains approximately 40–45% near-infrared light. That NIR penetrates your skin, your skull, and your brain — triggering the same mitochondrial melatonin and ATP benefits as expensive devices.

Sunlight is not a replacement for targeted therapy. But it is an excellent foundation.

How to Use Sunlight for Brain Health

Time of Day	NIR-to-UV Ratio	Recommended Duration	Best For
Morning (within 1 hour of sunrise)	High	10–20 minutes	Setting circadian rhythm; gentle NIR exposure
Late afternoon (1 hour before sunset)	High	15–30 minutes	Maximizing NIR without UV risk
Midday (10 AM – 2 PM)	Low (high UV)	5–10 minutes (avoid burning)	Vitamin D; brief NIR (use caution)

Practical Tips for Sunlight Exposure

1. Expose large skin areas.

NIR does not penetrate clothing well. For best results, expose your arms, legs, chest, back, and scalp (if possible). A tank top and shorts are ideal.

2. Do not wear a hat.

As covered in our practical addendum, hats block most NIR. If you need sun protection for your face, wear a wide-brimmed hat for UV protection — but accept that NIR will be blocked. For NIR, no hat is best.

3. Do not burn.

Painful, blistering sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer. Sensible, non-burning exposure is the goal. Know your skin type. Know your latitude. If you will be out longer than your skin tolerates, cover up or use sunscreen.

4. Sunscreen does not block NIR.

Most sunscreens are designed to block UV, not NIR. You can wear sunscreen on your face and hands to prevent burning while still getting NIR benefits on your arms and legs.

5. Open a window or go outside.

Standard window glass blocks most NIR. Sitting by a sunny window gives you visible light and UV (if the glass is not UV-coated) but almost no NIR. Step outside or open the window.

Who Should Prioritize Sunlight?

• Everyone, as a foundational practice
• Those who cannot afford expensive devices
• Those who live in sunny climates
• Those who want a simple, free, low-tech approach

Who Needs More Than Sunlight?

• People in northern latitudes (winter sun provides little NIR)
• Those with limited outdoor access (indoor workers, urban dwellers)
• Those with specific conditions (TBI, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s) who need targeted, consistent dosing
• Those who want to treat the brain directly (sunlight exposes the whole body, not specifically the head)

---

Part 2: Artificial PBM Devices – For Targeted Therapy

When sunlight is not enough — or when you need precise, consistent dosing for a specific condition — artificial PBM devices are the answer.

Device Types Compared

Type	Examples	Best For	Typical Cost
Head helmet / cap	Vielight, MedX, Bioflex	Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, TBI, cognitive decline	$1,000–$3,000
Large panel	PlatinumLED, Mito Red Light, Hooga	Full body + head (versatile)	$600–$2,500
Handheld / small panel	RedLightMan, Hooga, Mito Mobile	Spot treatment; budget option	$200–$600
Headband / flexible pad	Various brands	Targeted forehead/crown treatment	$300–$800

Key Specifications: What to Look For

Do not buy a device that does not publish these specifications.

Specification	What to Look For	Why It Matters
Wavelength	810–850 nm (NIR)	Penetrates skull to reach brain. Red light (600–700 nm) does not.
Irradiance	20–100 mW/cm² at treatment distance	Ensures enough energy reaches the target tissue.
Dose (fluence)	Device should specify J/cm²	Too little does nothing. Too much (biphasic response) is harmful.
Treatment time	Based on dose and irradiance	Follow manufacturer guidelines. Do not guess.
FDA clearance or clinical trials	Look for devices used in published human studies	Vielight, MedX, and others have trial data.

What to Avoid

• Red-only devices (600–700 nm) for brain applications — they do not penetrate the skull.
• Devices with no listed specifications — if they do not specify the wavelength and irradiance, assume they do not work.
• Plant grow lights — designed for photosynthesis, not human biology.
• Infrared heat lamps — emit far-infrared (>1000 nm), which produces heat but does not stimulate mitochondria effectively.

Recommended Brands (For Illustration)

These are examples of brands with published specifications and clinical use. Always verify current models and specs.

Brand	Known For	Typical Wavelengths
Vielight	Transcranial helmets used in published trials (Alzheimer’s, TBI, Parkinson’s)	810 nm
PlatinumLED	High-irradiance panels, multi-wavelength	660 + 850 nm
Mito Red Light	Affordable panels, clear dosing guidance	660 + 850 nm
RedLightMan	Research-grade, high output	660 + 850 nm
Hooga Health	Entry-level affordable panels	660 + 850 nm

Note: Always check each model’s specifications. Prices and features change.

---

Part 3: Protocols Based on Clinical Trials

The best protocols come from published human studies. Here is what successful trials used.

For Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) / Early Alzheimer’s

Parameter	Value
Trial	Rashidi-Ranjbar et al. (2025) pilot RCT
Device type	Headband
Wavelength	810 nm
Session length	20 minutes
Frequency	6 days per week
Duration	6 weeks
Treatment area	Forehead (bilateral)
Results	Improved MMSE, memory, DMN connectivity

Home adaptation:

• Use an 810 nm NIR device on the forehead and crown
• 20 minutes daily, 5–6 days per week
• Evaluate after 6–8 weeks

For Parkinson’s Disease

Parameter	Value
Trial	Liebert et al. (2025) RCT (largest to date)
Device type	Helmet + abdominal applicator
Wavelength	810 nm
Session length	Not specified in abstract
Frequency	3 times per week
Duration	Up to 52 weeks (extended treatment)
Treatment area	Head, back of neck, abdomen
Results	Improved TUG mobility, anxiety, and daily function

Home adaptation:

• Use 810 nm NIR device on forehead, crown, back of head
• Add treatment to the back of the neck and lower abdomen (if possible)
• 10–20 minutes per session, 3 times per week
• Commit to at least 12–24 weeks before evaluating
• Do not stop exercise — the trial combined PBM with vigorous exercise

For General Brain Health (No Diagnosis)

Parameter	Recommendation
Wavelength	810–850 nm NIR
Session length	10–15 minutes
Frequency	3–5 days per week
Treatment area	Forehead, crown, back of head
Duration	Ongoing (maintenance)

Sunlight alternative:

• 15–30 minutes of morning or late afternoon sun on bare skin (including scalp if possible)
• Daily or as often as the weather permits

---

Part 4: Combining Sunlight and Devices

You do not have to choose.

Approach	When to Use
Sunlight only	Spring, summer, fall in sunny climates; as a free daily foundation
Device only	Winter months, northern latitudes, cloudy climates, or when targeted therapy is needed
Both	Use sunlight for whole-body NIR (morning/afternoon). Use device for targeted brain therapy (evening or on cloudy days).

Sample weekly schedule:

Day	Morning	Evening
Monday	15 min sunlight (arms, face, scalp)	10 min NIR device (forehead, crown)
Tuesday	15 min sunlight	Rest
Wednesday	15 min sunlight	10 min NIR device
Thursday	15 min sunlight	Rest
Friday	15 min sunlight	10 min NIR device
Saturday	20 min sunlight (longer)	Rest
Sunday	Rest	Rest

Adjust based on your schedule, weather, and condition.

---

Part 5: Safety Precautions

PBM is very safe. But safety requires respect.

Eye Safety

NIR light is invisible but powerful. Shining high-intensity NIR directly into your eyes can damage your retina.

• Always use opaque protective goggles when treating areas near the eyes — unless the device is specifically designed for ocular use (e.g., intranasal applicators).
• Close your eyes if goggles are not available.
• Do not stare into the light source.

Biphasic Dose Response (More Is Not Better)

PBM follows the Arndt-Schulz principle: weak stimuli stimulate biological activity; strong stimuli inhibit it.

• Too little light → no effect
• Just right → beneficial
• Too much light → ineffective or harmful

Follow manufacturer guidelines. Do not double the time thinking you will double the benefit. You might get zero benefit — or harm.

Medical Conditions

Consult your healthcare provider before starting PBM if you have:

• Active cancer (effects on malignant cells are not fully understood)
• Epilepsy (light sensitivity is rare with NIR, but caution is warranted)
• Pregnancy (safety not established)
• Photosensitizing medications (some antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants)

Skin Sensitivity

Some people experience mild redness or warmth after PBM. This usually resolves quickly. If you have very sensitive skin, start with shorter sessions (5 minutes) and gradually increase.

---

Part 6: Budget-Friendly Options

You do not need to spend $1,000+ to get started.

Budget	Option
$0	Morning and late afternoon sunlight (free)
$20–50	Open windows (free) + walk outside daily
$200–400	Handheld NIR device (e.g., Hooga, RedLightMan mini)
$500–800	Small NIR panel or headband
$1,000+	Helmet/cap system or large full-body panel

If you have very little money: Prioritize sunlight. Walk outside for 20 minutes each morning. Expose your arms, face, and scalp (if possible). That alone provides significant NIR benefits.

If you can invest a moderate amount: Buy a handheld or small panel (810–850 nm). Treat your forehead and crown for 10–15 minutes daily. This is a reasonable compromise between cost and efficacy.

If you are treating a diagnosed condition (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, TBI): Consider a helmet or cap system used in published trials. These are expensive but have the most direct evidence.

---

Part 7: Putting It All Together – Sample Protocols by Goal

Goal: Prevent Cognitive Decline (No Symptoms)

Source	Protocol
Sunlight	15–20 min morning sun (arms, face, scalp), 5–6 days/week
Device (optional)	10 min NIR on forehead/crown, 3–5 days/week
Duration	Ongoing

Goal: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) / Early Alzheimer’s

Source	Protocol
Sunlight	15–20 min morning sun (as above), daily
Device	20 min NIR (810 nm) on forehead/crown, 6 days/week
Duration	Minimum 6–8 weeks; then evaluate

Goal: Parkinson’s Disease (Adjunctive)

Source	Protocol
Sunlight	15–20 min sun, daily (general health)
Device	10–20 min NIR on forehead, crown, back of head, back of neck, abdomen, 3 days/week
Exercise	Continue vigorous exercise (the trial combined PBM with exercise)
Duration	Minimum 12–24 weeks; benefits may increase with extended treatment

Goal: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Concussion

Source	Protocol
Device	10–20 min NIR on forehead, crown, back of head, daily or 5–6 days/week
Duration	4–8 weeks initially; then reassess

Consult your neurologist before starting PBM for TBI.

Goal: General Mood, Anxiety, Brain Fog

Source	Protocol
Sunlight	15–20 min morning sun, daily
Device	10 min NIR on forehead, 3–5 days/week
Duration	4–6 weeks; then as needed

Once you start a protocol, how will you know if it is working? You do not need expensive lab tests. Here are simple, low-cost ways to track improvements at home.

---

Part 8: How to Monitor Improvements at Home

If you decide to try PBM for yourself or a loved one with mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, how will you know if it is working?

Clinical trials use expensive equipment, blood tests, and trained evaluators. You do not have access to those. But you can still track meaningful changes using simple, low-cost methods.

Below are practical ways to monitor objective improvements at home.

For Cognitive Concerns (MCI / Early Alzheimer’s)

1. Keep a weekly “Brain Health Log”

Once a week, rate the following on a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent):

• Memory for recent events (what happened yesterday)
• Ability to find words during conversation
• Focus during reading or TV
• Completion of familiar tasks (cooking, paying bills, using phone)
• Mood and irritability

Write down the scores. After 4–6 weeks of consistent PBM use, look for trends. Even a 1–2 point improvement in one area is meaningful.

2. Use a simple memory test app

Free or low-cost cognitive assessment tools include:

• Brain Test (iOS/Android) – measures reaction time, memory, and attention
• Peak (iOS/Android) – tracks progress in memory, mental agility, and problem-solving
• Cogstate Brief Battery – used in clinical trials (paid, but some versions are free)

Test yourself or your loved one at the same time of day, once per week, before starting PBM. Then test again at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Look for stability or improvement.

What to watch for: In progressive diseases like Alzheimer’s, cognitive scores typically decline over months. If scores hold steady or improve slightly during PBM use, that is a positive sign.

3. Ask a family member or friend

Sometimes the person with cognitive decline does not notice changes, but close family members do.

Once a month, ask someone who interacts frequently with your loved one:

• “Have you noticed any change in their memory or conversation?”
• “Are they following stories or instructions better?”
• “Do they seem less frustrated or withdrawn?”

Document the answers. Even subjective observations are valuable when tracked over time.

For Motor Concerns (Parkinson’s)

1. Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) at home

You do not need a clinic to measure mobility.

What you need:

• A standard armchair (with arms)
• A tape measure
• A stopwatch (most smartphones have one)
• A clear path of 3 meters (10 feet)

How to do it:

1. Mark the floor 3 meters from the front edge of the chair.
2. Have the person sit with their back against the chair and hands on the arms.
3. On “go,” they stand, walk to the mark, turn around, walk back, and sit down.
4. Time the entire sequence. Do not slow down to be safe — use normal speed.

What the results mean:

Time	Interpretation
< 10 seconds	Normal for healthy older adult
10–12 seconds	Mild mobility impairment
12–15 seconds	Moderate impairment; fall risk increased
> 15 seconds	Significant impairment; high fall risk

Track over time: Measure once per week, at the same time of day. Write down the time. If the time decreases (gets faster) or stays stable over months when you expected decline, PBM may be helping.

2. MDS-UPDRS Part II (Home Version)

You cannot administer the full UPDRS at home. But you can track the same daily activities that Part II measures.

Once per week, rate the following on a scale of 0 (no problem) to 4 (severe problem):

• Handwriting (is it getting smaller or harder to read?)
• Dressing (buttoning, zippers, tying shoes)
• Eating (cutting food, bringing utensils to mouth)
• Walking (shuffling, freezing, imbalance)
• Getting out of a chair or bed

Write down the scores. After 4–6 weeks, look for any score that has decreased (improved) or stayed stable.

3. Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test

This is another simple, validated mobility test.

How to do it:

1. Have the person sit in a standard armchair, arms crossed over chest.
2. On “go,” they stand up fully and sit down five times as fast as possible.
3. Time how many seconds it takes to complete five stands.

Time	Interpretation
< 12 seconds	Normal
12–15 seconds	Mild impairment
> 15 seconds	Significant impairment

Track weekly. Faster times indicate improved leg strength and mobility.

For Both Cognitive and Motor Concerns

1. Keep a medication and symptom diary

If the person takes medications for their condition, note:

• Any changes in medication dose or timing
• Any new side effects
• Any infections, injuries, or stressors

This helps you distinguish between PBM effects and other variables.

2. Take videos (with permission)

Once per month, take a short video of the person:

• Walking down a hallway
• Doing a simple task (making tea, buttoning a shirt)
• Having a conversation

Do not tell them it is for comparison. After 3–4 months, watch the earliest video alongside a recent one. Sometimes progress is visible on video even when daily changes are too small to notice.

3. Be realistic about expectations

PBM is not a cure. Even in the most successful clinical trials, improvements were modest — better memory scores, faster walking times, less anxiety, not reversal of advanced disease.

Do not expect dramatic changes in weeks. Look for:

• Stability (scores not declining as fast as before)
• Small improvements (1–2 points on a 10-point scale)
• Quality of life (better mood, more engagement, less frustration)

These are meaningful wins, even if they do not make headlines.

When to Stop or Adjust

Consider stopping PBM or consulting your doctor if:

• No benefit is observed after 3–4 months of consistent use
• Symptoms accelerate (worse than before starting)
• The person experiences persistent headaches, irritability, or sleep disruption (these are generally mild and temporary, but worth monitoring)

Remember: PBM is an adjunctive therapy. It should not replace medications, exercise, speech therapy, or other standard treatments without medical guidance.

Summary Table: Home Monitoring Tools

Concern	Tool	Frequency	What to Track
Memory / cognition	Brain Health Log (1–10 ratings)	Weekly	Memory, word-finding, focus, mood
Memory / cognition	Free cognitive app (Brain Test, Peak)	Every 4 weeks	Reaction time, memory scores
Mobility	Timed Up-and-Go (TUG)	Weekly	Seconds to stand, walk 3m, return
Daily function	MDS-UPDRS Part II (home version)	Weekly	Dressing, eating, walking, transfers
Leg strength	Five Times Sit-to-Stand	Weekly	Seconds to complete 5 stands
Overall progress	Monthly video (walking, conversation)	Monthly	Visible changes over time

Conclusion

You do not need expensive equipment to start supporting your brain with light.

Sunlight is free. Morning and late afternoon sun on your skin provides natural NIR that triggers mitochondrial melatonin, boosts ATP, and reduces inflammation. The Blue Zone centenarians did not own red light panels. They simply lived outdoors.

Devices are for targeted therapy. If you have a specific condition (MCI, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, TBI), or if you live in a northern latitude with weak winter sun, an NIR device (810–850 nm) offers consistent, precise dosing.

Combine both when you can. Use sunlight as your daily foundation. Use a device for targeted brain therapy or when the weather does not cooperate.

Start low, go slow. Respect the biphasic dose response. More is not better. Follow the protocols that worked in clinical trials.

Be consistent. The benefits of PBM accumulate over weeks and months. A single session helps. Regular sessions transform.

Do not stop your other treatments. PBM is an adjunctive therapy. It does not replace medications, exercise, good nutrition, sleep, or social connection.

Let the light in. Your brain will thank you.

---

Takeaway Messages

• Sunlight is free NIR. Morning and late afternoon sun on bare skin is your foundational protocol.
• Sunscreen does not block NIR — but hats and clothing do.
• For brain applications, use NIR (810–850 nm) , not red light (600–700 nm).
• Look for devices with published specifications: wavelength, irradiance, and dose guidance.
• Follow clinical trial protocols: For MCI: 20 min daily, 6 days/week. For Parkinson’s: 3 days/week, extended treatment.
• More is not better. Respect the biphasic dose response.
• Protect your eyes. Use opaque goggles or close your eyes during treatment.
• Combine sunlight and devices for best results: sunlight as foundation, device for targeted therapy.
• Budget options exist: Sunlight is free. Handheld NIR devices start at $200–400.
• Be consistent. Benefits accumulate over weeks and months.
• Do not stop exercise, medications, or other treatments — PBM is an adjunct, not a replacement.

Don’t Get Sick!

About Dr. Jesse Santiano, MD

Dr. Santiano is a retired internist and emergency physician with extensive clinical experience in metabolic health, cardiovascular prevention, and lifestyle medicine. He reviews all medical content on this site to ensure accuracy, clarity, and safe application for readers. This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personal medical care.

💡 Support This Work

Creating well-researched articles, maintaining this website, and keeping the information free takes time and resources.
If you found this article helpful, please consider donating to support the mission of empowering people to live healthier, longer lives, without relying on medications.

🙏 Every contribution, big or small, truly makes a difference. Thank you for your support!

Follow me on Facebook, Gab, Twitter (formerly known as X), Instagram, and Telegram.

Related:

1. The Counterclockwise Study: Proof That Mind Shapes The Body
2. Sarcopenia: The Scourge of Aging
3. Telomeres, Cancer, And Lifestyle: Unpacking The Anti-Aging Paradox
4. Unlocking Music and Brain Health: Secrets to Aging Better
5. Discover Hidden Brain Aging Signs You Must Address Now
6. Telomeres And Daily Habits: A Simple Guide to Slower Aging
7. Boost Survival Now: Protein’s Power In Aging CKD Kidneys
8. Blood Sugar’s Hidden Aging Effects: From Wrinkles To Weakness
9. The Timed Up and Go Test.
10. COVID shots, Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia
11. 6 Ways to Lower Your Dementia Risk
12. Risk Factors ng Alzheimer’s Dementia: Nagsisimula sa Early Age
13. The Projected Rise in Global Dementia
14. Sleeping on Your Side can Prevent Dementia
15. 8 Ways Decent Dental Care Defies Dementia
16. Cardiorespiratory Fitness as a Key to Preventing Dementia
17. Sleep’s Hidden Power: Glymphatics Shield Your Brain From Dementia
18. Risk Factors ng Alzheimer’s Dementia: Nagsisimula sa Early Age

References:

1. Battesha, H. H. M., Ibrahim, M. S., Mohamed, A. S., & Abdelmegeed, M. M. (2025). Posture stability and functional activity changes after transcranial photobiomodulation for patients with Parkinson’s disease: A randomized controlled trial. Lasers in Medical Science, 40(1), 441. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-025-04628-z
2. Cao, Q., Jiao, Y., Wang, T., & Li, W. (2025). Mechanisms and parameters of photobiomodulation for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders: Whether and how to apply? Reviews in the Neurosciences, 37(1), 77-91. https://doi.org/10.1515/revneuro-2025-0073
3. Lee, T. L., Chan, A. S., Chan, W. K., Cheung, M. C., & Lee, T. (2024). Dose response of transcranial photobiomodulation on cognitive efficiency in healthy older adults: A task-related functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 101(1), 321-335. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-240473
4. Lee, T. L., Chan, A. S., Chan, W. K., Cheung, M. C., & Lee, T. (2025). Improved cognitive function, efficiency, saccadic eye movement, and depressive symptoms in mild cognitive impairment with transcranial photobiomodulation. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 107(2), 529-541. https://doi.org/10.1177/13872877251361033
5. Liebert, A., Hares, O., Saltmarche, A., et al. (2025). Effectiveness of photobiomodulation to treat motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: A randomised clinical trial with extended treatment. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(21), 7463. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217463
6. NIR4AD Study Team. (2023). Transcranial near-infrared light therapy for mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (NIR4AD). ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT06160908. https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT06160908/transcranial-near-infrared-light-therapy-for-mild-moderate-alzheimers-disease
7. Rashidi-Ranjbar, N., Churchill, N. W., Jerkic, M., Zomorrodi, R., Rotstein, O., Schneider, R., Andreazza, A. C., Rajji, T. K., Graham, S. J., Munoz, D. G., Fornazzari, L., Lim, L., Norris, M., Schweizer, T. A., & Fischer, C. E. (2025). A multimodal evaluation of transcranial photobiomodulation in mild cognitive impairment: Cognitive, metabolic, and neuroimaging outcomes of a pilot randomized controlled trial. medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.19.25333989
8. Xuan, W., Agrawal, T., Huang, L., Gupta, G. K., & Hamblin, M. R. (2015). Low-level laser therapy for traumatic brain injury in mice increases brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptogenesis. Journal of Biophotonics, 8(6), 502-511. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201400087
9. Yokoi, Y., et al. (2024). A randomized sham-controlled trial of transcranial and intranasal photobiomodulation in Japanese patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: A protocol. Frontiers in Neurology, 15, 1371284. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1371284
10. Li, B., Golovynska, I., Stepanov, Y. V., Golovynskyi, S., Golovynskyi, A., Kolesnik, D., Stepanova, L. I., Lai, P., Lin, F., & Qu, J. (2025). Transcranial photobiomodulation therapy with 808 nm light changes expression of genes and proteins associated with neuroprotection, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and Alzheimer’s disease: Whole RNA sequencing of mouse cortex and hippocampus. PLOS ONE, 20(7), e0326881. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0326881
11. Santos, L., Burtscher, J., & de Taboada, L. (2025). Parkinson‘s disease, aerobic exercise and photobiomodulation: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Neural Transmission. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-024-02883-0

Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before making health decisions based on the TyG Index or other biomarkers.

© 2018 – 2026 Asclepiades Medicine, LLC. All Rights Reserved
DrJesseSantiano.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases