Final installment (probably) on RLT/PBM.
Cognition
LLLT has shown promise in improving cognition [R].
In a study testing broad neurocognitive functions, in comparison to placebo, participants who received LLLT showed more positive effects in reaction time, memory, and mood [R].
LLLT improved aging-related and vessel disease-related cognitive decline in an elderly population [R]. Laser treatment also improved memory, attention, and executive function in a population of patients with dementia [R].
Red light therapy has been studied in a wide variety of conditions including, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and cognitive enhancement in healthy subjects [R].
Mental Health
LLLT has also shown promise in traumatic brain injury, with positive effects on sleep, mood, and anxiety [R].
For example, one case study who underwent 20 treatment sessions over the course of two months experienced decreases in depression, anxiety, headache, and insomnia, while cognition and quality of life improved [R, R]. However, caution is warranted because these findings have yet to be replicated in a large-scale double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.
LLLT is still in the experimental phase for emotional conditions, but some studies have shown a positive effect on major depressive disorder, simultaneous anxiety, and suicidal ideation [R].
In a small study in patients with major depressive disorder and simultaneous anxiety LLLT showed improvements up to two weeks after treatment [R]. This was confirmed in another small clinical trial [R] and a larger one in patients who responded positively to behavioral therapy [R].
Anyone using this or interested in trying? Drop a note in the comments!
For more of the studies on PBM, head over to Patreon! Five bucks a month for access to this and all previous articles. It’s ad-free and you can cancel if it sucks
These pork rinds are the bomb. Seriously! And if you like spicy…
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