Photobiomodulation: An Emerging Non-Invasive Way to Treat Alzheimer's Disease Using Neuroprotective and Neurogenesis Strategies

Abstract

Amyloid-beta (A\(\beta\)) plaques, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction are characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder that compromises cognitive performance. Notwithstanding extensive research endeavors, there remain limited efficacious therapeutic alternatives for AD. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) within the red and near-infrared spectrum is employed in photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive method that has demonstrated potential as a neuroprotective intervention, influences mitochondrial activity, modifies reactive oxygen species (ROS), regulates calcium homeostasis, and diminishes neuroinflammation—crucial elements in AD pathophysiology. Recent investigations demonstrate that PBM mitigates A\(\beta\) toxicity by augmenting mitochondrial function and facilitating A\(\beta\) elimination. Furthermore, PBM aids in maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, enhances cerebral blood flow, and facilitates neurovascular coupling, all of which are vital for neuronal health. This chapter examines how PBM alleviates cellular and molecular dysfunctions associated with AD, emphasizing its impact on oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, it explores the possibility of incorporating PBM into multimodal therapeutic approaches for AD. This chapter underscores the revolutionary capacity of PBM in enhancing neurotherapeutic strategies for AD.