A review suggests red and near-infrared light could be studied as an ALS treatment
Original source
Exploring the effect of red and near-infrared light on neurodegenerative disease: A focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Charcot's devastating disease of the motor system. (opens in a new tab)Compass summarised this from the study's abstract.
Study details
- Study type
- Review
- Studied in
- Human, Animal
A review examines red and near-infrared light as a possible treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It argues that the approach may affect several disease-related processes and could work best if started early. The review does not report evidence that it slows ALS in people.
Why this matters
For people living with ALS, this does not currently change treatment or establish a benefit. For researchers, the review presents reasons to test red and near-infrared light in well-designed ALS studies, including whether timing affects results.
Limitations and context
This is a review chapter, not a clinical trial or new patient study. Its conclusions are proposals based partly on findings from other neurodegenerative diseases and on proposed biological mechanisms. Whether the approach is safe, effective, or beneficial for people with ALS still needs to be shown.