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Rodríguez-Fernández L, Zorzo C, Arias JL. Photobiomodulation in the aging brain: a systematic review from animal models to humans. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01231-y. [PMID: 38861125 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01231-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a multifactorial biological process that may be associated with cognitive decline. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-pharmacological therapy that shows promising results in the treatment or prevention of age-related cognitive impairments. The aim of this review is to compile the preclinical and clinical evidence of the effect of PBM during aging in healthy and pathological conditions, including behavioral analysis and neuropsychological assessment, as well as brain-related modifications. 37 studies were identified by searching in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases. Most studies use wavelengths of 800, 810, or 1064 nm but intensity and days of application were highly variable. In animal studies, it has been shown improvements in spatial memory, episodic-like memory, social memory, while different results have been found in recognition memory. Locomotor activity improved in Parkinson disease models. In healthy aged humans, it has been outlined improvements in working memory, cognitive inhibition, and lexical/semantic access, while general cognition was mainly enhanced on Alzheimer disease or mild cognitive impairment. Anxiety assessment is scarce and shows mixed results. As for brain activity, results outline promising effects of PBM in reversing metabolic alterations and enhancing mitochondrial function, as evidenced by restored CCO activity and ATP levels. Additionally, PBM demonstrated neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and hemodynamic effects. The findings suggest that PBM holds promise as a non-invasive intervention for enhancing cognitive function, and in the modulation of brain functional reorganization. It is necessary to develop standardized protocols for the correct, beneficial, and homogeneous use of PBM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Candela Zorzo
- INEUROPA, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Jorge L Arias
- ISPA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
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2
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Montazeri K, Farhadi M, Majdabadi A, Akbarnejad Z, Fekrazad R, Shahbazi A, Mahmoudian S. Photobiomodulation therapy in improvement of harmful neural plasticity in sodium salicylate-induced tinnitus. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296607. [PMID: 38626075 PMCID: PMC11020422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is a common annoying symptom without effective and accepted treatment. In this controlled experimental study, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), which uses light to modulate and repair target tissue, was used to treat sodium salicylate (SS)-induced tinnitus in a rat animal model. Here, PBMT was performed simultaneously on the peripheral and central regions involved in tinnitus. The results were evaluated using objective tests including gap pre-pulse inhibition of acoustic startle (GPIAS), auditory brainstem response (ABR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Harmful neural plasticity induced by tinnitus was detected by doublecortin (DCX) protein expression, a known marker of neural plasticity. PBMT parameters were 808 nm wavelength, 165 mW/cm2 power density, and 99 J/cm2 energy density. In the tinnitus group, the mean gap in noise (GIN) value of GPIAS test was significantly decreased indicated the occurrence of an additional perceived sound like tinnitus and also the mean ABR threshold and brainstem transmission time (BTT) were significantly increased. In addition, a significant increase in DCX expression in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), dentate gyrus (DG) and the parafloccular lobe (PFL) of cerebellum was observed in the tinnitus group. In PBMT group, a significant increase in the GIN value, a significant decrease in the ABR threshold and BTT, and also significant reduction of DCX expression in the DG were observed. Based on our findings, PBMT has the potential to be used in the management of SS-induced tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayoon Montazeri
- The Five Senses Health Institute, ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Farhadi
- The Five Senses Health Institute, ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Majdabadi
- Dentistry Research Institute, Laser Research Center of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zainab Akbarnejad
- The Five Senses Health Institute, ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Fekrazad
- Radiation Sciences Research Center, Laser Research Center in Medical Sciences, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Shahbazi
- Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Mahmoudian
- The Five Senses Health Institute, ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
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Lim L. Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery with Photobiomodulation: Cellular Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Future Potential. Cells 2024; 13:385. [PMID: 38474349 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) remains a significant global health challenge, lacking effective pharmacological treatments. This shortcoming is attributed to TBI's heterogeneous and complex pathophysiology, which includes axonal damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and persistent neuroinflammation. The objective of this study is to analyze transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM), which employs specific red to near-infrared light wavelengths to modulate brain functions, as a promising therapy to address TBI's complex pathophysiology in a single intervention. This study reviews the feasibility of this therapy, firstly by synthesizing PBM's cellular mechanisms with each identified TBI's pathophysiological aspect. The outcomes in human clinical studies are then reviewed. The findings support PBM's potential for treating TBI, notwithstanding variations in parameters such as wavelength, power density, dose, light source positioning, and pulse frequencies. Emerging data indicate that each of these parameters plays a role in the outcomes. Additionally, new research into PBM's effects on the electrical properties and polymerization dynamics of neuronal microstructures, like microtubules and tubulins, provides insights for future parameter optimization. In summary, transcranial PBM represents a multifaceted therapeutic intervention for TBI with vast potential which may be fulfilled by optimizing the parameters. Future research should investigate optimizing these parameters, which is possible by incorporating artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lew Lim
- Vielight Inc., Toronto, ON M4Y 2G8, Canada
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Ding L, Gu Z, Chen H, Wang P, Song Y, Zhang X, Li M, Chen J, Han H, Cheng J, Tong Z. Phototherapy for age-related brain diseases: Challenges, successes and future. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102183. [PMID: 38218465 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain diseases present a significant obstacle to both global health and economic progress, owing to their elusive pathogenesis and the limited effectiveness of pharmaceutical interventions. Phototherapy has emerged as a promising non-invasive therapeutic modality for addressing age-related brain disorders, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), among others. This review examines the recent progressions in phototherapeutic interventions. Firstly, the article elucidates the various wavelengths of visible light that possess the capability to penetrate the skin and skull, as well as the pathways of light stimulation, encompassing the eyes, skin, veins, and skull. Secondly, it deliberates on the molecular mechanisms of visible light on photosensitive proteins, within the context of brain disorders and other molecular pathways of light modulation. Lastly, the practical application of phototherapy in diverse clinical neurological disorders is indicated. Additionally, this review presents novel approaches that combine phototherapy and pharmacological interventions. Moreover, it outlines the limitations of phototherapeutics and proposes innovative strategies to improve the treatment of cerebral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ding
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Ziqi Gu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Haishu Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Panpan Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Yilan Song
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Xincheng Zhang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Mengyu Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Jinhan Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Hongbin Han
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China. Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Equipment and Technique, NMPA key Laboratory for Evaluation of Medical Imaging Equipment and Technique, Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jianhua Cheng
- Department of neurology, the first affiliated hospital of Wenzhou medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Zhiqian Tong
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China.
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Ji Q, Yan S, Ding J, Zeng X, Liu Z, Zhou T, Wu Z, Wei W, Li H, Liu S, Ai S. Photobiomodulation improves depression symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1267415. [PMID: 38356614 PMCID: PMC10866010 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1267415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is a common mental illness that is widely recognized by its lack of pleasure, fatigue, low mood, and, in severe cases, even suicidal tendencies. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that could treat patients with mood disorders such as depression. Methods A systematic search of ten databases, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for depression, was conducted from the time of library construction to September 25, 2023. The primary outcome was depression. The secondary outcome was sleep. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan (version 5.4) and Stata (version 14.0). Subgroup analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results Three thousand two hundred and sixty-five studies were retrieved from the database and screened for inclusion in eleven trials. The forest plot results demonstrated that PBM alleviated depression (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI [-0.75, -0.35], I2 = 46%). But it is not statistically significant for patients' sleep outcomes (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI [-2.41, 0.77], I2 = 0%, p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that s-PBM was superior to t-PBM in relieving symptoms of depression. The best improvement for t-PBM was achieved using a wavelength of 823 nm, fluence of 10-100 J/cm2, irradiance of 50-100 mW/cm2, irradiance time of 30 min, treatment frequency < 3/week, and number of treatments >15 times. The best improvement for s-PBM was achieved using a wavelength of 808 nm, fluence ≤1 J/cm2, irradiance of 50-100 mW/cm2, irradiance time ≤ 5 min, treatment frequency ≥ 3/week, number of treatments >15 times. All results had evidence quality that was either moderate or very low, and there was no bias in publication. Conclusion We conclude that PBM is effective in reducing depression symptoms in patients. However, the current number of studies is small, and further studies are needed to extend the current analysis results. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023444677.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qipei Ji
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shichang Yan
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jilin Ding
- Department of Rehabilitation, Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mianyang, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhixiang Liu
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianqi Zhou
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuorao Wu
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Wei
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Huaqiang Li
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuangyue Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mianyang, China
| | - Shuangchun Ai
- Department of Rehabilitation, Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mianyang, China
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Sipion M, Ferreira FM, Scholler J, Brana C, Gora M, Kouvas G, Barthet G, Sobolewski A. A randomized, blinded study of photobiomodulation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease showed no preventive effect. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19828. [PMID: 37963979 PMCID: PMC10645933 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Photobiomodulation (PBM), the process of exposing tissue to red or near-infrared light, has become a topic of great interest as a therapy for diverse pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of PBM on Alzheimer's disease (AD) using behavioral and histological readouts from a well-established transgenic murine AD model (5xFAD mice) in a randomized and fully blinded long-term in-vivo study following GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) guidelines. The heads of the mice were illuminated with no (sham), low or high power 810 nm light, three times a week for 5 months from the first to the sixth month of life corresponding to the prodromal phase of the pathology. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the groups in behavioral tests, including the Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and Y-maze. Similarly, histological analyses showed no differences in amyloid load, neuronal loss or microglial response. In conclusion, under the conditions of our experiment, we were unable to demonstrate any therapeutic effect of PBM for AD. This study calls for further evidence and caution when considering PBM as an effective treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Sipion
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineering, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Filipa M Ferreira
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineering, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jules Scholler
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineering, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Brana
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineering, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michalina Gora
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineering, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - George Kouvas
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineering, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gael Barthet
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineering, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Aleksander Sobolewski
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineering, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.
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7
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Carroll JD. Photobiomodulation Literature Watch October 2022. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 2023; 41:140-143. [PMID: 36927051 DOI: 10.1089/photob.2023.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
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Liebert A, Capon W, Pang V, Vila D, Bicknell B, McLachlan C, Kiat H. Photophysical Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation Therapy as Precision Medicine. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020237. [PMID: 36830774 PMCID: PMC9953702 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a significant focus on the photochemical and photoelectrical mechanisms underlying photobiomodulation (PBM), its complex functions are yet to be fully elucidated. To date, there has been limited attention to the photophysical aspects of PBM. One effect of photobiomodulation relates to the non-visual phototransduction pathway, which involves mechanotransduction and modulation to cytoskeletal structures, biophotonic signaling, and micro-oscillatory cellular interactions. Herein, we propose a number of mechanisms of PBM that do not depend on cytochrome c oxidase. These include the photophysical aspects of PBM and the interactions with biophotons and mechanotransductive processes. These hypotheses are contingent on the effect of light on ion channels and the cytoskeleton, the production of biophotons, and the properties of light and biological molecules. Specifically, the processes we review are supported by the resonant recognition model (RRM). This previous research demonstrated that protein micro-oscillations act as a signature of their function that can be activated by resonant wavelengths of light. We extend this work by exploring the local oscillatory interactions of proteins and light because they may affect global body circuits and could explain the observed effect of PBM on neuro-cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillations. In particular, since dysrhythmic gamma oscillations are associated with neurodegenerative diseases and pain syndromes, including migraine with aura and fibromyalgia, we suggest that transcranial PBM should target diseases where patients are affected by impaired neural oscillations and aberrant brain wave patterns. This review also highlights examples of disorders potentially treatable with precise wavelengths of light by mimicking protein activity in other tissues, such as the liver, with, for example, Crigler-Najjar syndrome and conditions involving the dysregulation of the cytoskeleton. PBM as a novel therapeutic modality may thus behave as "precision medicine" for the treatment of various neurological diseases and other morbidities. The perspectives presented herein offer a new understanding of the photophysical effects of PBM, which is important when considering the relevance of PBM therapy (PBMt) in clinical applications, including the treatment of diseases and the optimization of health outcomes and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Liebert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Adventist Hospital Group, Wahroonga 2076, Australia
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - William Capon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Vincent Pang
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Damien Vila
- Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier-Nîmes, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Brian Bicknell
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Craig McLachlan
- Faculty of Health, Torrens University, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Hosen Kiat
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Torrens University, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- Cardiac Health Institute, Sydney 2121, Australia
- ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra 2600, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park 2109, Australia
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Abstract
This review deals with an unwelcome reality about several forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease- that these dementias are caused, in part or whole, by the aging of the vasculature. Since the vasculature ages in us all, dementia is our fate, sealed by the realit!ies of the circulation; it is not a disease with a cure pending. Empirically, cognitive impairment before our 7th decade is uncommon and considered early, while a diagnosis in our 11th decade is late but common in that cohort (>40%). Projections from earlier ages suggest that the prevalence of dementia in people surviving into their 12th decade exceeds 80%. We address the question why so few of many interventions known to delay dementia are recognized as therapy; and we try to resolve this few-and-many paradox, identifying opportunities for better treatment, especially pre-diagnosis. The idea of dementia as a fate is resisted, we argue, because it negates the hope of a cure. But the price of that hope is lost opportunity. An approach more in line with the evidence, and more likely to limit suffering, is to understand the damage that accumulates with age in the cerebral vasculature and therefore in the brain, and which eventually gives rise to cognitive symptoms in late life, too often leading to dementia. We argue that hope should be redirected to delaying that damage and with it the onset of cognitive loss; and, for each individual, it should be redirected to a life-long defense of their brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J Andersson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan Stone
- School of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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