Red Light Therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation is one of the most amazing and helpful non-invasive therapies to have been introduced to us. It is because of this therapy that several people, who were otherwise busy and involved in their hectic lifestyles, have found a way to reconnect with their body’s wellness and health in a way that benefits them in the long run. [1]
However, apart from providing relief to daily aches and pains, did you know that Red Light Therapy also finds its applications in affecting and influencing brain health and cognitive functions? Now this is something that nobody could have imagined.
After all, if Red Light Therapy is helping people improve their brain function and cognition, and that too, without any side effects, then why wouldn’t people want to try it out? Let’s explore and see the research done on this topic to learn more about this.
The Human Brain’s Needs And The Role Of Red Light Therapy
The human brain is one of the most complex body organs. Not only are its functions and processes complex but there is a wide range of actions taking place within the brain simultaneously. It has its special needs that enable it to function as efficiently as it does at all times. [2]
Let’s now consider the main functions of the brain and identify how Red Light Therapy works for each of these functions.
Blood Flow:
The brain requires regular blood flow and constant delivery of oxygen and nutrients from circulation to successfully carry out its multiple and complicated processes.
A steady and appropriate blood supply makes sure every hippocampus and every other area of the brain has the nutritious materials that it takes to use or maintain itself.
Though the ability of blood flow to reach the brain is influenced by factors like age, lifestyle, and some medical conditions, all these factors in turn can be the cause of cognitive decline.
This is the area where Red Light Therapy gets presented as a stimulator of the production of nitric oxide, the molecule that helps the blood vessels expand, therefore making the bloodstream consistently good. [3]
The process of refining microcirculation is engendered by Red Light Therapy which leads to a rise in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells, which results in better viability and function of cells.
Oxygen Supply:
Oxygen is the major source of brain and cell energy, and should not be considered as a trivial gas despite its proportion in the air. If there is oxygen deprivation as a result of bad blood circulation or by other means then this can cause cognitive impairment and a decline in mental clarity.
Red Light Therapy caused an increase in the cell respiration rate at the expense of growing the number of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the main source of cellular energy.
Red Light Therapy has demonstrated the ability to improve cellular respiration by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main source of cellular energy. This increase in ATP synthesis allows brain cells to utilize oxygen more efficiently, optimizing their performance and resilience. [4]
Cellular Energy:
Like other organs, the brain requires sufficient energy to perform complex processes such as neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and information processing.
Mitochondria are popularly referred to as the ‘powerhouses’ of the cell and play a central role in producing cellular energy in the form of ATP. However, mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by impaired energy production, is associated with various neurological disorders and age-related cognitive decline.
Despite this, Red Light Therapy has proven to be a promising strategy to alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and enhance cellular energy metabolism. By utilizing specific wavelengths of red light, RLT stimulates mitochondrial activity, improves electron transport chain function, and promotes ATP synthesis. This increase in cellular energy provides the fuel your brain cells need to function optimally, supporting cognitive performance and resilience.
Uncovering The Science Behind Red Light Therapy and Brain Health
The mechanism of Red Light Therapy (RLT) is based on photobiomodulation, which implies that adequate wavelengths of red light undergo the process of penetration through the skin and the underlying tissues thus interacting with cellular components.
At the cellular level, these interactions will cause a cascade of biological effects that lead to various efficacious ramifications such as mitochondrial enhancement and neural activation. undefined
Photobiomodulation:
When projected upon the brain, the light of particular wavelengths, usually around 700-1000 nanometers, manages to penetrate the skull and reach the neuronal tissue.
The absorbed red light subsequently activates intracellular signaling pathways such as ROS release and mitochondrial function modification. Such cellular reactions form the beginning of a cascade of events that are at the backbone of the positive effect of Red Light Therapy on brain health. [5]
Enhanced Neural Activity and Energy Production:
With the help of mitochondrial function improved by Red Light Therapy, the ability of the neural cells to generate and utilize energy efficiently is enhanced.
This spike in cellular energy then correlates with increased neural activity, exemplified by enhanced neurotransmission, synaptic flexibility, and neuronal communication.
Research revealed that Red Light Therapy increases the activity of neurotransmitters that are associated with mood regulation, cognition, and the general functioning of the brain such as serotonin and dopamine.
On top of that, RLT demonstrated the ability to increase cerebral blood flow, thereby, supplying brain cells properly with oxygen and nutrients for more efficient neural functioning.
The Influence Of Bestqool’s Red Light Therapy On Cognitive Function:
Let’s explore the evidence supporting the efficacy of Bestqool’s Red Light Therapy in enhancing cognitive function and its potential therapeutic applications:
Effect On Memory And Attention:
Across the board, it has been demonstrated that an outgoing particular wavelength of red light has strengthened brain function, through improved attention, memory consolidation, and executive functions such as decision-making and problem-solving. [6]
Achieving this aim has been made possible through some of the best quality products of Bestqool, which are designed to emit specific wavelengths and radiation levels. These tools make it possible for the person to receive the precise sought-after effects and benefits.
Systematic application may result in significant advancements in cognitive performance for users, giving them new abilities to complete household activities or perform various tasks more deliberately and effectively.
Therapeutic Potential for Neurological Conditions:
Instead of only enhancing cognitive abilities, Red Light Therapy seems to have a promising potential of being a therapeutic approach to conditions such as mental illness.
Different studies done on patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) imply that the application of Red Light Therapy can reduce neuroinflammation, improves neurogenesis, but also increase cognitive recovery after head injury. Much the same, the studies on Alzheimer’s disease have shown that RLT does affect amyloid beta aggregation, mitochondrial function, and neuronal protection respectively. [7]
This approach has additionally exhibited its efficacy as a complementary technique for managing depression, following the findings of some investigations that it can lower neurotransmitter levels, control mood-related circuits, and alleviate depression symptoms.
The Final Verdict: Bestqool Products For The Win?
The fact that Bestqool just got a recent report from a third party verifying the connection between irradiance and power consumption in Red Light Therapy according to therapy product treatment production clearly demonstrates the company’s transparency and intentionality toward quality assurance.
This report of unbiased third-party examination and its publication on our website will be proof of the clinical efficacy and safety of Bestqool’s Red Light Therapy devices as well as quality assurance, which is necessary for avoiding doubts and adherence.
Red Light Therapy represents the optimism for better cognitive performance using real benefits such as enhanced brain functions, higher memory, attention, and executive function ratings. On top of that, other research continues and points to the fact that the RLT might be an efficient source for many health problems like traumatic brain injury, depression, or Alzheimer’s disease. This shows that it is not only useful for the elderly but rather a versatile solution in the field of brain health.
References:
1. Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and laser surgery, 32(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2013.3616
2. Maldonado KA, Alsayouri K. Physiology, Brain. [Updated 2023 Mar 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551718/
3. Nizamutdinov, D., Ezeudu, C., Wu, E., Huang, J. H., & Yi, S. S. (2022). Transcranial near-infrared light in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 965788. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.965788
4. Hipskind, S. G., Grover, F. L., Jr, Fort, T. R., Helffenstein, D., Burke, T. J., Quint, S. A., Bussiere, G., Stone, M., & Hurtado, T. (2019). Pulsed Transcranial Red/Near-Infrared Light Therapy Using Light-Emitting Diodes Improves Cerebral Blood Flow and Cognitive Function in Veterans with Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Series. Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery, 37(2), 77–84. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2018.4489
5. Hamblin M. R. (2016). Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA clinical, 6, 113–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002
6. Naeser, M. A., Zafonte, R., Krengel, M. H., Martin, P. I., Frazier, J., Hamblin, M. R., Knight, J. A., Meehan, W. P., 3rd, & Baker, E. H. (2014). Significant improvements in cognitive performance post-transcranial, red/near-infrared light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, mild traumatic brain injury: open-protocol study. Journal of neurotrauma, 31(11), 1008–1017. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2013.3244
7. Nizamutdinov, D., Qi, X., Berman, M. H., Dougal, G., Dayawansa, S., Wu, E., Yi, S. S., Stevens, A. B., & Huang, J. H. (2021). Transcranial Near Infrared Light Stimulations Improve Cognition in Patients with Dementia. Aging and disease, 12(4), 954–963. https://doi.org/10.14336/AD.2021.0229
