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Brain Photobiomodulation Improves Sleep Quality in Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study
Xing Zhao1, Wenying Du1, Jiehui Jiang2
1Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|May 2, 2022
Summary
Photobiomodulation therapy improved sleep efficiency and cognitive function in individuals with subjective cognitive decline. This non-invasive treatment shows promise for early Alzheimer's disease detection and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Sleep disruption and prefrontal cortex atrophy are linked to subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
- Transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy may enhance frontal cortex function and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if PBM therapy targeting the frontal cortex can improve sleep and cognitive function in individuals with SCD.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-eight participants with SCD received either real or sham transcranial PBM therapy for six consecutive days.
- Sleep data and working memory performance (using the n-back task) were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- While overall sleep efficiency and REM sleep did not differ significantly between groups, the real PBM group showed improvements by day five.
- The real PBM group demonstrated significantly better performance on the n-back task, with higher accuracy and shorter reaction times compared to the sham group.
Conclusions:
- Five days of PBM therapy targeting the prefrontal cortex improved sleep efficiency and cognitive performance in individuals with SCD.
- PBM therapy presents a potential non-invasive intervention for cognitive and sleep disturbances associated with early Alzheimer's disease risk.
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