Photobiomodulation, Depression, Anxiety, and Cognition

Abstract

Background\nAnxiety and depression are key barriers to healthy aging and greatly heighten the risk for many negative health issues that seriously impact life quality.\n\nAim\nThis mini review examines the potential of low level laser treatments or photobiomodulation therapy for ameliorating severe anxiety and depression in older adults.\n\nMethods and Procedures\nArticles that adressed the current topic of interest extracted from PUBMED and Google Scholar were carefully and presented in narrative form.\n\nResults\nPhotobiomodulation therapy appears to be a safe efficacious modality for ameliorating various degrees of anxiety and depression and for improving cognition, and is supported by several well established mechanisms of action at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels.\n\nConclusion\nMore research to examine who might benefit most from this form of therapy, and in what respect in this area of growing global concern and few intervention options is strongly warranted.