Is daily use of the Neuronic (infrared light biomodulation therapy) helmet with 1080 nm red light waves for 15 minutes safe for mild cognitive impairment?

Safety of Daily Infrared Light Biomodulation Therapy for Mild Cognitive Impairment

There is insufficient evidence to support the safety of daily use of a Neuronic helmet with 1080 nm infrared light for 15 minutes for mild cognitive impairment, and caution is advised due to potential risks of excessive exposure.

Current Evidence on Light Therapy for Cognitive Impairment

Established Guidelines

Current clinical practice guidelines do not specifically address infrared light biomodulation therapy for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Instead, they focus on more established interventions:

• Physical activity interventions of at least moderate intensity are recommended to improve cognitive outcomes in older adults and those with MCI 1
• Aerobic exercise and/or resistance training are specifically recommended for cognitive improvement 1
• Cognitive stimulation activities are recommended for general stimulation of thinking, concentration, and memory 2

Light Therapy in Clinical Guidelines

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine provides limited guidance on light therapy, but primarily for circadian rhythm disorders:

• Light therapy (2500-5000 lux) has been studied in elderly patients with dementia, with sessions lasting 1-2 hours 1
• While some behavioral symptoms improved, critical sleep outcomes did not show improvement 1
• The guidance notes potential side effects including eye irritation, agitation, and confusion 1

Safety Considerations for Infrared Light Therapy

Dosage and Exposure

No clinical guidelines specifically address the safety of daily 15-minute sessions with 1080 nm infrared light for MCI. The limited research on transcranial light therapy has used different protocols:

• In studies of traumatic brain injury patients, LED therapy was administered three times weekly (not daily) for 6 weeks 3, 4
• These studies used specific parameters: 500 mW, 22.2 mW/cm², for approximately 10 minutes per location (13 J/cm²) 3
• Treatment was delivered to multiple specific locations on the scalp rather than as a helmet-based whole-head approach 3

Potential Risks

Without established safety guidelines for daily use of infrared light therapy at 1080 nm wavelength:

• The risk of thermal injury to brain tissue with excessive exposure is unknown
• Potential cumulative effects of daily (versus intermittent) exposure have not been well-studied
• The optimal therapeutic window between effective dose and potential harm has not been established

Recommendations Based on Available Evidence

1. Consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any infrared light therapy regimen for MCI

2. Consider established interventions first:

   • Aerobic exercise and/or resistance training of at least moderate intensity 1
   • Cognitive stimulation activities 2
   • Mediterranean diet with high consumption of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids 1

3. If pursuing infrared light therapy:

   • Start with a less frequent schedule (e.g., 3 times weekly rather than daily) based on protocols used in research 3, 4
   • Monitor for adverse effects including headaches, eye discomfort, or cognitive changes
   • Consider intermittent use with breaks to assess effects

4. Seek participation in clinical trials investigating this technology to contribute to the evidence base while receiving supervised care

Conclusion

While some preliminary research suggests potential benefits of red/near-infrared light therapy for cognitive function, there is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of daily use of a Neuronic helmet with 1080 nm infrared light for 15 minutes. Until more research establishes safety parameters, a cautious approach with less frequent application and close monitoring is advisable.