The Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study.

Authors

Hyelim Chun, Minha Lea Yoon, Hee Won Lee, Jung Young Lee, Seung Bong Hong, Sang Soo Ha, Kang Jun Yoon

Published in

Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery. Volume 43. Issue 9. Pages 411-416.

Abstract

Background: Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a promising noninvasive neuromodulation modality with potential therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative diseases. Infrared light delivered by a tPBM device penetrates the cortex, stimulating neuronal activity by increasing mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production and enhancing regional cerebral blood flow. Objective: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a self-administered, at-home, wearable tPBM device for improving cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Individuals with MCI due to AD, diagnosed according to the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association criteria, with a Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination-2 (K-MMSE2) score of 23-27 and a global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score of 0.5-1.0 were enrolled. Subjects self-administered tPBM six times per week for 12 weeks. Assessments were conducted at weeks 7 and 13 using the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), K-MMSE2, the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: A total of 26 participants were enrolled. The treatment group showed a statistically significant improvement in K-MoCA scores at week 13 (p < 0.05) compared with the sham group. Although K-MMSE2 scores improved in the treatment group, the difference was not statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Findings suggest that tPBM is an effective and safe home-use intervention for individuals with MCI, with promising therapeutic and preventative roles in Alzheimer's dementia.

PMID:
40939031
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 13 Sep 2025.

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