Photobiomodulation as a brain-boosting strategy in aging

Abstract Aging, as a physiological phenomenon, is complicated with secondary problems that cause enormous health, economic, social, and emotional costs. Neuropsychological problems are among the most important health threats in the aged population. Numerous pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches have been evaluated to boosting of brain function in healthy elderlies or attenuating of brain malfunctions in the disease conditions. Photobiomodulation (PBM) as a nonpharmacological and noninvasive method has been under investigation for many years in experimental and clinical studies. In this method, the impact of photons at specific wavelengths with photoacceptors within the tissue induces biological responses including improved bioenergetics, increased regional blood flow, stimulation of growth factors, and reduced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the tissue. Besides, the beneficial effects of this intervention on cognitive and behavioral outcomes in a broad spectrum of neuropsychological disorders such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disorders have been reported. In this chapter, we will review the current preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the protective effects of PBM in healthy and pathological brain aging conditions. Furthermore, some of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms will be explained.