Red Light Therapy Emerges as Potential Dementia Treatment

My friend's mom spends between 20 and 30 minutes three times a week relaxing in a red light therapy (RLT) bed that resembles a tanning bed that uses LED lights, not UV lights. She started this therapy three months ago after receiving a dementia diagnosis.

At age 83, my friend tells me her mom sleeps better and is less agitated.

This treatment isn't covered by health insurance and whether it works is too soon to tell.

"Preliminary research suggests RLT may have some benefits for people with dementia or Alzheimer's," says Pamela Tambini, M.D., and a double board-certified physician in internal and addiction medicine at Engage Wellness. "Benefits include improved cognitive function, better memory and enhanced sleep quality. Early studies have shown that RLT may help increase blood flow in the brain and reduce oxidative stress, both of which play roles in neurodegenerative diseases."

"That said, these findings are still in their early stages, and we need larger, long-term studies to confirm these benefits," she adds. "While the results are promising, it's important to view RLT as a complementary therapy rather than a standalone treatment."

According to Tambini, the number and length of RTL sessions aren't firmly established yet, as research is ongoing. "In dementia studies, patients typically underwent sessions several times a week with each session lasting anywhere from 6 to 30 minutes," she says. "For now, a standard recommendation is two to five sessions per week, depending on individual needs and the specific device used."

She and other physicians recommend working with a medical professional familiar with RLT to create a tailored plan. If you Google "red light therapy machines," more than one million product advertisements appear. They range in size from small handheld devices to items you can wear to larger ones that look like tall floor lamps. All emit red light. Prices range from $159 to $1,559.

"Most therapies for Alzheimer's and some forms of dementia are sometimes touted as slowing the progression of dementia," explains Philippe Douyon, M.D., a board-certified neurologist at the Inle BrainFit Institute, and author of "Neuroplasticity: Your Brain's Superpower: Change Your Brain and Change Your Life."

"It's important to distinguish the benefits between what people would like to see and what happens in reality," says Douyon. "People are hopeful and depending on where they are in that disease process, optimism can help them for a period of time; after that there's no significant improvement. RLT is a new and very young therapy."

When patients ask if it's worth the time and money to try RLT, Douyon says to treat it a complementary option. "It's safe and noninvasive, but it's not a standalone treatment," he says.

He tells his patients to exercise, eat well and challenge their brains with new experiences in addition to receiving medical treatment. "We know exercise improves memory," he says. "Eating a healthy diet is linked to better brain health.  And learning a new instrument or a new activity can benefit the brain."

Douyon practices what he preaches. A year ago, he began piano lessons. "I was teaching my brain something new," he says. "Your brain rewards you for learning new things."

For treating different forms of dementia, RLT devices emit near infrared light. "The light is usually targeted at the head to allow it to penetrate the scalp and potentially reach brain tissue," Tambini says. "This can be done through LED panels, laser devices or even wearable helmets designed for home use. It's a non-invasive treatment, so there's no downtime or recovery needed after a session."

RLT is not covered by health insurance because it's considered experimental in treating Alzheimer's and dementia, and sessions range in price from $30 to $100 per session. "Some clinics offer package deals for multiple sessions, which can reduce the overall cost," Tambini says. "If you're considering RLT, it's a good idea to check pricing with providers in your area."

While the research is still in its early stages, RLT shows promise for certain aspects of brain health, like improving blood flow, "however, it's essential to manage expectations," Tambini cautions. "RLT is not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer's, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. I'd recommend viewing it as part of a broader treatment plan that includes other evidence-based approaches for those looking to explore it."

"RLT is a non-invasive therapy with a low risk of side effects, which makes it a safe option to consider," Tambini explains. "That said, the scientific community hasn't reached a consensus on its efficacy for dementia and Alzheimer's yet. Ongoing clinical trials and more extensive studies will be crucial in determining its long-term potential."

Adverse effects are rare. Scientific studies mention second-degree burns, blistering, erythema lasting more than 24 hours, severe swelling, pain, ulceration, change in sensation and muscle weakness. A scientific study published in the Journal of Biophotonics suggests these adverse effects are uncommon.

A handful of scientific studies using RLT to treat dementia or Alzheimer's disease have shown positive results. All of these studies have included a small number of participants. A scientific study in the journal of Aging and Disease had 60 participants and was one of the larger scientific studies.

The researchers of that study concluded, "More studies are necessary to ensure reproducibility of positive findings."

While the science is still developing, it could be a helpful complementary therapy. If you're considering RLT, consult a medical professional to ensure it's a safe and appropriate choice for you or your loved one.