Background: We present a pilot study of near infrared (NIR) 1068 nm transcranial photobiomodulation therapy (PBM-T). Impact upon motor function, memory, and processing speed in healthy individuals, over 45 years of age, was evaluated.
Methods: PBM-T was performed at home using a transcranial phototherapy device, a helmet comprised of 14 air cooled LED panel arrays, with a peak wavelength of 1068 nm, full width at half maximum bandwidth of 60 nm and total average optical output power of 3.8 Watts. The device was used for 6 minutes twice daily on age-matched middle-aged subjects with normal intellectual function. The FDA-approved computerised assessment tool ANAM was adopted to quantify a series of cognitive and motor activities in the participating groups.
Results: A significant improvement in motor function, memory performance and processing speed was observed in healthy individuals with PBM-T compared to the placebo group. No adverse effects were reported.
Conclusions: PBM-T may be a promising new approach to improve memory in healthy middle-aged individuals.