Infrared light as a potential therapeutic approach for neurodegeneration

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease are devastating diseases that lead to cognitive and/or behavioral impairments. The misfolded causative molecules of these disorders form toxic aggregates that eventually induce synaptic dysfunction and neuronal cell death. To date, several drugs have been demonstrated to be beneficial for a substantial number of patients by improving their behavioral signs and symptoms and cognition. However, these drugs essentially target symptomatic treatments and leave the toxic aggregates intact. As the result, the effects of these drugs last only for a short period of time after drug administration. Recently, laser irradiations with near-and mid-infrared light have been tested to cultured cells and model animals of neurodegenerative disorders. The beneficial effects of the laser irradiation include restoration of intracellular organelle and dissociation of toxic aggregates. Laser irradiation might have a potential to be applied for treatments of multiple neurodegenerative disorders provided that appropriate dosages and their safety are thoroughly established.