Boston University and VA Boston Healthcare System‘s Margaret Naeser is testing the effects of light therapy on brain function in Veterans with Gulf War Illness.
Veterans in a recent study wore helmets lined with light-emitting diodes that apply red and near-infrared light to the scalp. Diodes were also placed nostrils, to deliver photons to the deeper parts of the brain. The light from the diodes boosted nitric oxide output near the LEDs, which improved blood flow in that location. The treatment is painless, generates no heat, and takes 30 minutes.
Brain damage caused by explosions, or exposure to pesticides or other neurotoxins could impair the mitochondria in cells. Mitochondria was shown to be affected by light therapy in this study. Nasser hopes this can be a valuable adjunct to standard cognitive rehabilitation.
Related forthcoming trials include:
- BU’s Jeffrey Knight is leading a trial for Veterans age 18 to 55 who have both traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Yelena Bogdanova will lead a trial looking at the impact of LED therapy on sleep and cognition in Veterans with blast TBI.
- Naeser is collaborating with Carole Palumbo on a study testing LED therapy, delivered via helmets and nose diodes, for active-duty soldiers with blast TBI. The study will also test the feasibility and effectiveness of using only the nasal LED devices at home, as a self-administered treatment.
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