What Is Photobiomodulation and How Does It Help With Cognitive Health?
Last Updated: November 2025
Medically Reviewed by Dr Jessica Knape, MD MA. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine
Overview
Photobiomodulation uses red and near-infrared light to improve cellular energy and reduce inflammation.
It enhances mitochondrial ATP production and oxygen use in neurons.
Studies show potential benefits in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injury, and post-COVID brain fog.
Safe, painless, and non-invasive, PBM supports recovery from cognitive fatigue and enhances mental clarity.
At HealthSpan Internal Medicine, PBM is integrated with nutrition, detoxification, and peptide therapy for comprehensive brain repair.
Key Points
PBM delivers therapeutic light wavelengths (usually 600–1100 nm).
These wavelengths penetrate the skull and activate mitochondrial enzymes.
Enhanced mitochondrial function supports energy, detoxification, and repair.
Research shows PBM can improve memory, focus, mood, and neuroplasticity.
It’s safe, drug-free, and complements functional and regenerative medicine programs.
Summary
Light doesn’t just help you see—it helps your brain function.
Photobiomodulation (PBM), also called red light or near-infrared light therapy, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular energy production and reduce inflammation. Originally studied for wound healing, PBM has gained growing attention for its effects on brain health, cognition, and neurodegenerative disease recovery.
At HealthSpan Internal Medicine in Boulder, CO, we use evidence-based, non-invasive therapies like photobiomodulation to support mitochondrial repair, neuroplasticity, and overall brain resilience.
What Is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation is the scientific term for using light to influence biological processes.
Unlike lasers that cut or heat tissue, PBM delivers low-level red or near-infrared light that interacts with the mitochondria—the tiny energy factories inside cells.
The light is absorbed by a key mitochondrial enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase, part of the electron transport chain. When stimulated, this enzyme produces more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that powers nearly every function in your brain and body.
PBM has been used in research and clinical settings for over 40 years, with growing evidence for neurological applications.
How Photobiomodulation Affects the Brain
When light energy penetrates the scalp and skull, it triggers a cascade of beneficial cellular effects:
Enhanced Energy (ATP) Production
PBM increases mitochondrial efficiency, improving neuron metabolism and function.Reduced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Light modulates inflammatory cytokines and promotes antioxidant enzyme activity.Improved Blood Flow and Oxygenation
Nitric oxide is released, relaxing blood vessels and increasing brain perfusion.Neurogenesis and Synaptic Repair
PBM stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting neuron growth and repair.Modulation of Microglia and Immune Response
It helps shift the brain’s immune cells from a pro-inflammatory to a healing state.
These effects combine to reduce neuroinflammation, enhance mental clarity, and protect neurons against degeneration.
Research Highlights: Photobiomodulation and Cognitive Health
Emerging studies show promising results across a range of neurological conditions:
Alzheimer’s Disease:
Clinical trials using transcranial PBM show improvements in attention, memory, and sleep. Light therapy helps reduce beta-amyloid burden and oxidative stress in preclinical models.Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):
PBM enhances recovery after concussion by restoring blood flow and mitochondrial function in injured tissue. Patients report clearer thinking and reduced headaches.Parkinson’s Disease:
Animal and small human studies show PBM may protect dopamine-producing neurons and improve movement coordination.Post-COVID Brain Fog:
PBM helps reduce neuroinflammation and restore energy metabolism after viral illness.Normal Aging and Cognitive Fatigue:
Even in healthy adults, PBM can enhance executive function, processing speed, and mental stamina.
While not a cure for neurodegenerative disease, PBM appears to slow decline and improve quality of life by improving cellular health and resilience.
How Photobiomodulation Is Delivered
There are two main approaches:
Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM):
Light is applied directly to the scalp at points over the prefrontal cortex or other brain regions.Intranasal PBM:
Red or near-infrared light is delivered through a small nasal device, targeting blood vessels and olfactory nerves linked to brain circulation.
Treatments are typically painless, lasting 10–20 minutes, and performed several times per week in early phases. Maintenance sessions may continue once or twice weekly.
Most patients describe PBM as relaxing and energizing—like “sunlight for the brain.”
Is Photobiomodulation Safe?
Yes. PBM is considered very safe and non-invasive when used at clinically appropriate wavelengths and power levels.
Side effects are rare and mild, usually limited to temporary light sensitivity or mild warmth at the treatment site.
However, it’s important that PBM protocols be guided by clinicians familiar with light dosimetry and neurologic conditions to ensure proper application.
Integrating PBM Into Functional Brain Health Care
At HealthSpan Internal Medicine, PBM is part of a broader evidence-based approach that addresses the root causes of brain energy loss and inflammation.
We combine PBM with:
Mitochondrial support nutrients: CoQ10, PQQ, carnitine, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Peptide therapies: MOTS-c, SS-31, and BPC-157 for cellular repair.
Hormonal and metabolic balance: Restoring thyroid, estrogen, and testosterone levels that support neuronal energy.
Detoxification and anti-inflammatory nutrition: To remove metabolic and environmental stressors.
Neurorehabilitation and cognitive exercises: To strengthen neural pathways.
Together, these therapies help patients regain clarity, focus, and endurance—naturally.
When to Consider Photobiomodulation
PBM may be beneficial if you experience:
Brain fog or cognitive fatigue
Early memory loss or mild cognitive impairment
Post-concussion or post-COVID symptoms
Neurodegenerative conditions (with supervision)
Chronic fatigue or mitochondrial dysfunction
PBM can also serve as preventive brain care for adults seeking to maintain long-term mental sharpness.
Treatment Outlook and Timeline
Most patients notice subtle improvements—better focus, calmer mood, and improved energy—after several sessions.
Cognitive and metabolic benefits typically build over 4–12 weeks of consistent treatment, especially when combined with nutrition, exercise, and metabolic optimization.
Maintenance sessions support ongoing mitochondrial and neurovascular health.
How We Help at HealthSpan Internal Medicine
At HealthSpan Internal Medicine in Boulder, CO, we offer comprehensive brain health programs that combine photobiomodulation with metabolic and functional medicine tools.
Our approach includes:
Mitochondrial and cognitive testing to establish baseline function.
Personalized PBM protocols tailored to your goals and physiology.
Nutrient, peptide, and lifestyle interventions to enhance results.
Continuous cognitive tracking and optimization.
Our mission: to help you preserve memory, sharpen focus, and age vibrantly—powered by light.
Sources
1. Photobiomodulation Improves Cognitive Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Salehpour F, et al.
Transcranial photobiomodulation therapy for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review.
Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 2021.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7970878/
2. Photobiomodulation Enhances Memory, Learning & Brain Metabolism
Hamblin MR.
Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for cognitive and emotional disorders.
BBA Clinical, Elsevier, 2016.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4759367/
3. PBM Increases Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygenation
Salgado ASI, et al.
Transcranial LED therapy increases cerebral blood flow in humans.
Lasers in Medical Science, 2015.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5590321/
4. Photobiomodulation Stimulates Mitochondrial Function
Karu TI.
Mitochondrial mechanisms of photobiomodulation therapy.
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B, 1999.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1011134499001264
5. PBM Improves Attention, Working Memory, and Executive Function
Barrett DW & Gonzalez-Lima F.
Transcranial laser stimulation improves executive function in healthy adults.
NeuroImage, 2013.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811913005872
6. Photobiomodulation Improves Mood and Reduces Depression Symptoms
Cassano P, et al.
Near-infrared transcranial photobiomodulation for major depressive disorder: a proof-of-concept study.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2015.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26046322/
7. PBM Protects Neurons After Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury
Lapchak PA.
Photobiomodulation in experimental stroke and brain injury models: mechanisms and outcomes.
Translational Stroke Research, 2012.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22482063/
8. PBM Slows Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease Models
De Taboada L, et al.
Photobiomodulation protects against β-amyloid neurotoxicity and improves memory in Alzheimer’s models.
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2011.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21460402/
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Jessica Knape, MD, MA Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine
HealthSpan Internal Medicine — serving patients in Boulder, CO
Book a Discovery Call | About Dr. Knape
This content is for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
