Could Light Therapy Be a Breakthrough for Alzheimer's?
Light therapy results in notable enhancements in sleep and psycho-behavioral symptoms among individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, stated study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Qinghui Meng of Weifang Medical University, China, and colleagues. ()
The cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease is often accompanied by sleep disturbances and psycho-behavioral symptoms including apathetic and depressive behavior, agitation and aggression. Photobiomodulation is a non-pharmacological therapy that uses light energy to stimulate the suprachiasmic nucleus (SCN), a sleep modulator in the brain. Despite light therapy receiving increased attention as a potential intervention for Alzheimer's, a systematic evaluation of its efficacy and safety has been unavailable.
Analyzing Light Therapy Interventions in Alzheimer's
In the new study, researchers searched multiple research databases to identify all randomized controlled trials related to light therapy intervention for Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Fifteen high-quality trials with available methods and relevant outcomes were selected for further analysis. The included trials were written in English, published between 2005 and 2022, and performed in seven countries. They included a combined 598 patients.‘Light therapy benefits sleep and psycho-behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's patients with few side effects, hinting at its promise as a treatment option for them. #alzheimers #lighttherapy #photobiomodulation #sleep’
The meta-analysis of all fifteen trials found that light therapy significantly improved sleep efficiency, increased interdaily stability (a measure of the strength of circadian rhythms), and reduced intradaily variability (a measure of how frequently someone transitions between rest and activity during the day). In patients with Alzheimer's disease, light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.
Given the limited sample sizes in studies included in this meta-analysis, the authors advocate for larger future studies, which could also explore if bright light exposure could cause any adverse behavior in patients. They conclude that light therapy is a promising treatment option for some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Reference:
- The effect of light therapy on sleep disorders and psychobehavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease - (https:journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0293977)