Phototherapy for Alzheimer’s may remove toxic proteins from the sleeping brain.
Phototherapy for Alzheimer's may remove toxic proteins from the sleeping brain.
Phototherapy During Sleep: A Potential Breakthrough for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Amidst the rising global prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, finding effective treatments has become more critical than ever before. Traditional drug-based solutions for Alzheimer’s have proven to be largely ineffective, prompting researchers to explore alternative approaches. Recent studies have shown promising results for a nonpharmacological method known as photobiomodulation (PBM). Particularly noteworthy is the finding that PBM, when applied during sleep, acts like a “washing machine” for the brain, aiding in the removal of harmful beta-amyloid proteins. These discoveries not only shed light on the potential of PBM but also pave the way for the development of innovative technologies aiming to leverage sleep for Alzheimer’s disease therapy.
The Restorative Power of Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for overall well-being. However, the reasons why the brain heals more effectively during sleep and whether these processes can be influenced are still unclear. Research suggests that the brain’s lymphatic system is more active during sleep, aiding in the elimination of waste products, toxins, and unnecessary molecules from brain tissues. Disrupted sleep can lead to a build-up of these waste products in the central nervous system (CNS), making sleep a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. The harmful metabolite beta-amyloid is expelled from the brain during sleep, and lack of sleep results in the accumulation of this toxin in the CNS, potentially contributing to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease over time.
Phototherapy’s Effectiveness in Treating Alzheimer’s
In a recent study published in Frontiers of Optoelectronics, researchers demonstrated that sleep photobiomodulation (PBM) could effectively enhance the removal of beta-amyloid from the brain tissues of mice. Interestingly, the therapeutic impact of PBM was found to be more pronounced during sleep compared to wakefulness. Applying PBM while sleeping essentially turns the brain into a “washing machine,” helping to clear out toxic beta-amyloid and boost the brain’s resistance to Alzheimer’s disease progression.
The researchers combined a special chemical, 5-aminolevulenic acid, with laser light at a specific wavelength to reduce the network of vessels in the membranes covering the brain, called meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs). This reduction leads to a decrease in the removal of harmful beta-amyloid from specific areas of the brain. By monitoring the mice’s brain activity during different stages of sleep and wakefulness without using anesthesia, the researchers discovered that applying PBM for 7 days during deep sleep was more effective in promoting the removal of the harmful proteins from the brain compared to when the mice were awake. These findings not only provide insights into how PBM works but also highlight its potential in stimulating the brain’s natural waste removal system, especially during sleep.
An Approach with Potential, but More Research is Needed
Three experts, not involved in this research, shared their thoughts on the study. Dr. Rajkumar Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician and Chief Medical Advisor for Sleep Advisor, highlighted the promising nature of nonpharmacological treatments such as phototherapy, which are noninvasive and have the potential to improve cognition. However, he emphasized that more clinical studies in humans are needed to fully understand the benefits and potential side effects of phototherapy in individuals with dementia.
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Dr. Kezia Joy, a medical content advisor for Welzo, echoed the sentiment that the findings presented in the study are intriguing and shed light on a potentially novel approach for Alzheimer’s disease therapy. Nevertheless, she emphasized the importance of further research, including clinical trials in humans, to validate the safety and efficacy of photobiomodulation.
Dr. Theodore Henderson, a psychiatrist based in Denver, CO, provided a nuanced perspective. While he acknowledged the significance of the study in revealing the effects of infrared light photobiomodulation on the recovery of damaged glial lymphatic drainage channels, he cautioned against drawing direct conclusions regarding Alzheimer’s disease. He expressed the need for studies to be conducted in mouse models of Alzheimer’s to obtain more comprehensive insights.
In conclusion, although more research is needed to fully establish the effectiveness of phototherapy in treating Alzheimer’s disease, the current findings offer an exciting avenue for potential treatment options. Photobiomodulation during sleep shows promising results in enhancing the removal of beta-amyloid from the brain and warrants further investigation. As researchers continue to explore the restorative functions and underlying mechanisms of sleep, innovative technologies leveraging the power of sleep may hold the key to more effective Alzheimer’s disease therapies in the future.
