How Red Light Therapy Works in the Brain

Brain injuries such as concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and conditions like CTE are associated with:

• Reduced cellular energy (ATP production)
• Inflammation
• Oxidative stress
• Poor blood flow
• Disrupted neural connectivity

Red and near-infrared light are absorbed by an enzyme in the mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase. This interaction may:

• Increase ATP (cellular energy) production
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve blood flow and oxygen delivery
• Decrease oxidative stress
• Support neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt)

In simple terms, red light therapy helps the brain cells produce more energy and function more efficiently.

Red Light Therapy & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

In brain injury, the primary damage is often followed by a secondary injury cascade — inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and impaired blood flow that can continue for months or years.

Research into photo biomodulation has shown potential benefits including:

• Reduced neuroinflammation
• Improved cognitive performance (memory, attention, processing speed)
• Reduced brain fog and fatigue
• Improved mood regulation
• Support for post-concussion recovery

Some small clinical studies have demonstrated measurable improvements in executive function and memory following transcranial red light therapy in individuals with chronic TBI.

While larger-scale trials are still ongoing, early findings are encouraging.

Red Light Therapy & CTE

Neurodegenerative diseases such as CTE, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias involve:

• Chronic inflammation
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Reduced cerebral blood flow
• Accumulation of toxic proteins
• Progressive cognitive decline

Photo biomodulation has been studied for its potential to:

• Improve cerebral blood flow
• Reduce beta-amyloid accumulation (in early research models)
• Enhance mitochondrial efficiency
• Improve memory and cognitive performance in mild-to-moderate cases
• Preliminary human studies suggest possible improvements in:
• Attention
• Memory recall
• Sleep quality
• Mood
• Agitation

Although red light therapy is not a cure for dementia or CTE, it may offer a supportive, adjunctive approach aimed at improving quality of life and slowing functional decline.

It is being explored as a potential supportive intervention for individuals living with CTE-related symptoms such as cognitive fatigue, emotional dysregulation, and brain fog.

Is It Safe?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe when delivered at appropriate wavelengths and dosages.

It is:

• Non-invasive
• Drug-free
• Painless
• Does not generate damaging heat
• Typically well tolerated

However, protocols, dosing, and device quality matter significantly. It is important to work with knowledgeable providers and evidence-informed systems.

What Does the Research Say?

Research into transcranial photobiomodulation is growing rapidly. Current evidence includes:

• Animal models showing reduced inflammation and improved neural recovery
• Small human trials demonstrating cognitive improvements in TBI
• Early dementia studies showing functional improvements in mild-to-moderate cases

While results are promising, red light therapy should currently be viewed as a supportive therapy, not a replacement for medical care.

More large-scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to fully establish long-term effectiveness.

Who Might Benefit?

Red light therapy may be considered by individuals experiencing:

• Post-concussion symptoms
• Chronic TBI-related fatigue
• Cognitive slowing
• Mood instability following brain injury
• Early-stage dementia
• Sleep disruption
• Brain fog

As with any therapy, individual responses vary.

The Vielight Device

Vielight Neuro is one of the most researched brain photobiomodulation systems available today, supported by more published studies in this field than any other device globally.

Over a decade ago, Vielight pioneered the field of brain photobiomodulation. Their patented intranasal and transcranial photobiomodulation (itPBM) technology combines light delivery through the skull with intranasal application — a unique approach designed to maximise penetration and reach.

By delivering near-infrared (NIR) light through the nasal cavity and across the cribriform plate, the system can bypass barriers such as hair, skin, and bone. This allows light energy to access deeper brain structures that transcranial - other devices may not reach as effectively.

The intranasal pathway stimulates the olfactory bulb, which connects directly to areas of the brain involved in long-term memory. At the same time, transcranial light targets regions such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a key centre for cognitive processing, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

Emerging research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative conditions suggests that photobiomodulation may help support cerebral blood flow, mitochondrial function, and neuroplasticity — all of which are commonly disrupted following repetitive head trauma and in conditions such as CTE.

Vielight Website

Important Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. None of the treatments, lifestyle changes, or supplements discussed are cures for CTE or any other neurodegenerative disease. At present, there is no known cure for these conditions.

We strongly encourage you to seek advice from a qualified medical professional, such as a doctor or specialist, before making any changes to your diet, beginning new treatments, or taking supplements. “Natural” does not always mean safe, and some substances may carry risks, side effects, or interactions with medications.

Our goal is to empower individuals with knowledge—not to replace professional medical care.