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Did you know that light can do more than help us see? It also affects how our brains work and how we feel. For people living with Alzheimer’s disease, light may even play a surprising role in easing symptoms like sleep problems and mood changes. Scientists are currently studying how different kinds of light might help support brain health.
In this article, we’ll discuss what light therapy is and how it’s being studied for Alzheimer’s disease. We’ll explore the possible benefits related to sleep, mood, and memory loss, and share how families and caregivers can learn more about this noninvasive treatment.
Light plays an important role in how your brain and body work together. When light enters the eyes, it sends signals to different parts of the brain that help control sleep, alertness, and mood. These functions are influenced in part by a natural daily cycle called the circadian rhythm. Think of the circadian rhythm like the body’s internal clock — it tells us when to wake up, eat, and rest.
In people with Alzheimer’s disease, this internal clock can lose its rhythm. As a result, people may feel sleepy during the day or restless at night. This can worsen symptoms, leading to more cognitive decline (worsened thinking) or other mood problems. It may also cause Alzheimer’s disease to progress more quickly.
Light also affects how neurons (brain cells) communicate. Certain wavelengths of light can influence brain waves, or patterns of electrical activity that shape brain functions like memory and focus.
Light therapy is a treatment that uses special types of light to affect how the brain and body work. It’s considered noninvasive, which means it doesn’t involve surgery or medicine. Instead, a person sits near or wears a device that shines gentle light on the eyes, skin, or head for a short period each day.
Doctors and researchers first used light therapy to help people with depression, sleep problems, and other brain-related conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. Now, scientists are studying how it might also help people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Light therapy works by sending signals through the eyes or skin to the brain. These signals may help regulate how the circadian rhythm works, so the body knows when to rest and when to be alert. Light may also influence the neurons that help us think, remember, and maintain focus.
Studies show that certain kinds of light can boost energy production inside neurons by improving blood flow and oxygen use. Light may also lower inflammation and reduce the buildup of harmful proteins like beta-amyloid, which can damage brain cells over time.
Researchers are currently studying how different colors, brightness levels, and rhythms of light may affect the brain. Each type of light therapy works in its own way, but all aim to support brain health, improve sleep, and help regulate the body’s natural cycles.
Bright light therapy uses high-intensity white light, often delivered through a lamp, light box, or visor. The person usually sits near the light each morning for about 30 minutes. This light treatment helps strengthen the body’s daily patterns of alertness and rest.
Bright light may also influence the level of hormones such as melatonin and cortisol, which affect mood and energy. In Alzheimer’s disease, maintaining these natural cycles can help reduce daytime sleepiness and support more consistent routines.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) — also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) — is another type of light therapy. It uses gentle red or near-infrared light to reach cells beneath the skin and the skull. This means that, unlike other forms of light therapy, it doesn’t work through the eyes. The light stimulates tiny structures inside brain cells called mitochondria, which act like power plants that make energy for your cells. When these cells have more energy, they can work more efficiently and stay healthier longer.
During PBM treatment, a person may wear a lightweight headset that shines light onto the scalp for several minutes at a time. The light won’t cause heat or pain. This process may also reduce inflammation and the buildup of beta-amyloid.
Researchers at Mount Sinai are currently testing two kinds of light therapy for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. One therapy will use flashing light to strengthen gamma waves, which are a type of brain wave involved in memory and learning. The other plans to provide steady daytime light to help restore normal sleep-wake patterns. The studies are still underway. However, the researchers hope to show that light-based treatment may improve sleep, mood, and cognitive function (thinking abilities) without major side effects. They also hope to learn how long each session should last and whether daily use offers more lasting effects on brain activity.
Early clinical studies suggest that light therapy may help the brains of people with neurodegenerative disorders (conditions that damage the brain over time) in several ways.
In one study, participants who received regular PBM sessions showed cognitive improvements in memory compared to a control group (no treatment). Brain scans also revealed increased activity in regions involved in learning and focus. Other clinical trials found improved sleep and mood after several weeks of treatment.
In animal studies, PBM reduced neuron loss and helped clear harmful beta-amyloid and tau proteins. It also lowered oxidative stress. This is a type of cell damage that happens when the brain has too many harmful molecules called free radicals.
Across many studies, PBM was well tolerated, with no major side effects. This suggests it may be a safe option for further research in Alzheimer’s care.
So far, research suggests that light therapy may help with some of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. These include problems with sleep, mood and temper, and daytime alertness. Regular light exposure during the day may help people feel more awake and calm while reducing nighttime confusion or agitation. Some studies also report small improvements in memory recall. Because light therapy is gentle and noninvasive, it may be a helpful tool for improving quality of life when used under medical guidance.
At this time, there isn’t enough evidence to show that light therapy can slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Most studies have been small and short term. However, early results are encouraging. Researchers supported by the National Institute of Aging are conducting more research now. They hope to learn whether specific light treatments can help protect brain cells or reduce cognitive impairment.
Some light therapy devices are made for home use. However, not all are made for Alzheimer’s. The right brightness, color, and timing of light are still being studied. Using the wrong type of device or sitting too close could cause eye strain or headache.
To learn more about at-home light therapy devices, talk to your doctor. They can explain what’s safe and how light therapy might fit into your loved one’s care plan. If you’re interested in learning more about clinical trials, they can share more information about those, too. You can also visit alzheimers.gov or clinicaltrials.gov to learn more about which clinical trials may be available to you.
On myALZteam, people share their experiences with Alzheimer’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Are you interested in light therapy to help a loved one with Alzheimer’s? Let others know in the comments below.
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