The question, “When should I use an alpha frequency and when should I use a gamma frequency?” is not new. In the context of brain photobiomodulation and Vielight products, this question refers to the Vielight Neuro Alpha and Neuro Gamma devices. More specifically, answering this question requires an understanding of the differences between these two devices, their effects, and their applications.

There is a relatively simple way to think about when to use the Vielight Neuro Alpha vs the Neuro Gamma transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) devices. To be more precise, the name “pulsed transcranial photobiomodulation (PtPBM) devices” offers a more complete description of the function of these unique products. Furthermore, this name refers to the only difference between these two devices, which is the pulse rate of the near-infrared (NIR) light that they emit.

What is the benefit of the pulsed light tPBM? The answer can be simple, and it can be complex. Here is a simple answer: the pulsation of the light acts as an additional brain stimulation mechanism. Distinct pulse rates can stimulate the brain differently, producing differentiated effects. They can modulate and regulate corresponding brain waves, as well as the entire spectrum of neural oscillations. Distinct pulse rates can also affect and help to induce different brain states.

About Vielight Neuro Devices

To bring research to practice, Vielight has developed home-use transcranial photobiomodualtion devices. These tPBM devices can modulate cellular processes in the neurons and stimulate neural oscillations in the brain. The Vielight Neuro devices have been on the market since 2016. The current generation of these devices, the Neuro 3 lineup, was launched in late 2021. The redesigned models offer better user experience, comfort, and longevity, while delivering the same high-quality pulsed photobiomodulation to the brain.

The Vielight Neuro line of devices includes three models: the Neuro Alpha, the Neuro Gamma and the Neuro Duo. All three devices share the same headset and nasal applicator designs. The headset is designed to cover and stimulate the default mode network (DMN) of the brain. These devices also have the same LED light sources. Four LEDs are located on the headset, and one on the nasal applicator. All of them emit 810 nm near-infrared (NIR) light.

What are the differences between Vielight Neuro models?

You may recall that the difference between the Neuro models is in the pulse rate of the NIR light that they emit. We touched on this subject earlier in this article. Let’s dive deeper into this.

The Vielight Neuro Alpha

The Vielight Neuro Alpha device emits 810 nm NIR light pulsed at the frequency of 10 Hz. This is the frequency that falls within the range of brain’s alpha oscillations band. The Neuro Alpha device can stimulate and regulate brain’s alpha neural oscillations, while also affecting other frequency bands of neural oscillations (Zomorrody at al, 2021). The researchers in this study conclude: “Findings from this study provide novel evidence that tPBM modulates neural oscillations in a frequency and location dependent manner. This is also the first investigation to measure the significant effect of an intranasal NIR LED on brain oscillation with EEG.” This study revealed important aspects and effects of PtPBM using NIR light pulsed at 10 Hz. More research on this subject, including other pulse frequencies, is warranted.

This device has been used in research studies. It is currently used in a study for TBI, which has not yet been completed. It was also employed in a pilot study for symptoms for Gulf War Illness (GWI). In this exploratory study the researcher concluded that:

Results of these two case reports suggest that PBM therapy may be safely used to help alleviate many GWI symptoms. PBM was well tolerated by both veterans and there were no adverse effects. However, the treatments will likely need to be continued on a regular basis based on previous studies that suggest the effects of PBM are not maintained. This points to the importance of having PBM devices that are amenable to home use for treating GWI. These promising, preliminary results suggest that future, larger-scale, controlled trials of home PBM for GWI are warranted. (Chao, 2019).

Neuro Alpha and alpha wave brain stimulation effects

The Neuro Alpha delivers PtPBM using alpha wave stimulation. It is suitable for a brain that needs help with more flexibility and state shifting, or conscious redirection of attention capability. Furthermore, the 10 Hz alpha PtPBM usually has a generally calming effect on the brain. Reportedly, the effects of this pulse frequency correlate with increases in internal focus, body awareness, and state of peacefulness.In a study by Saltmarche et al (2017), with individuals with mild to moderately severe cognitive impairments, participants showed significant cognitive improvement, increased function, better sleep, fewer angry outbursts, reduced anxiety, and less wandering.

Neurofeedback practitioners noticed, that if the brain tends to ruminate and loop, and has difficulty shifting between tasks and states, alpha stimulation can be very helpful. In such cases, alpha wave stimulation can provide support for much-needed cognitive flexibility. Anecdotally, a number of individuals who experienced the benefits of alpha wave stimulation reported feeling generally relaxed and calm.

On the other hand, there are individuals who can take only a little of alpha stimulation at a time. This can happen because alpha wave stimulation can introduce more variability to the brain. For example, this could be a case when it is hard for a brain to handle too much flexibility. Therefore, despite receiving beneficial effects from tPBM on cellular level, such individuals could find being exposed to prolonged alpha brain stimulation somewhat cognitively discomforting. However, the same individuals may benefit from shortening their alpha tPBM session duration to a more appropriate for them level. Thus, just 10 or even 5 minutes of alpha wave PtPBM could be sufficient to feel its benefits if you have a higher sensitivity to alpha stimulation.

The Vielight Neuro Gamma 

The Vielight Neuro Gamma device emits 810 nm NIR light pulsed at the frequency of 40 Hz. This is the frequency that falls within the range of brain’s gamma oscillations band. Just like the Neuro Alpha, the Neuro Gamma can also affect other frequency bands of neural oscillations (Zomorrodi et al, Scientific Reports, Nature 2019).

Authors’ note:

Active tPBM caused significant changes in network global efficacy in the alpha band for 50–60%, 75%, 85–90% of sparsity levels, in the gamma band for 15%, 50–60%, 70–75% and 90% of sparsity levels. Sham tPBM did not cause any significant change in the global efficacy. Additionally, by analyzing brain network properties using wPLI and the graph theory measures, we observed significant effects of active tPBM. The connectivity measures, which assessed the integration and segregation properties of the network, showed a significance increase in clustering coefficient, characteristic path length (CPL) and local efficiency measures for each oscillation frequency band. The pulse frequency employed likely plays an important role in the effects of tPBM on brain activity. Pulsing NIR light not only minimizes the heating effect and increases the possible penetration depth, but may effectively interact with cellular activity via two proposed mechanisms by: (a) impacting the ionic channels kinetic such as potassium and calcium in the mitochondria (b) increasing the dissociation rate of nitric oxide from cyctochrome c oxidase. (Zomorrodi et al, 2019).

The Neuro Gamma devices have been employed in a number of studies and clinical trials, including those for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, TBI, concussion, and autism spectrum disorder.

Neuro Gamma and gamma wave brain stimulation effects 

In general, gamma wave stimulation is better suited for brains that tend to be more easily distracted and less focused. Furthermore, in some cases, combining tPBM with other activities to optimize brain’s performance can be an important factor in attaining best results. One such activity can be meditation, and current studies are exploring this amalgamation and its effects on the brain.

When it comes to the Neuro Gamma’s capabilities, they can be summarized as a non-invasive brain stimulation within the gamma band range. The 40 Hz pulse frequency range is associated with the natural gamma brain oscillations. This type of oscillations is usually present in the brain during high levels of activity in solving complex tasks. PtPBM stimulation in the 40 Hz gamma range can be beneficial for a brain that needs help to maintain engaged and complex processing states (Zhang et al, 2021).

Furthermore, studies (Chao, 2019) have shown that near-infrared light pulsed at 40 Hz can facilitate improvements in cognition. This includes improvements in speed and the ceiling of learning abilities. Other effects noticed in the studies were stimulation of brain’s immune cells, improved perfusion, and clearing out of toxic proteins.

The Vielight Neuro Duo 

Last, but not least, in the lineup is the Vielight Neuro Duo PtPBM device. The Neuro Duo can pulse the light either in the alpha or the gamma frequency band. Thus, the Neuro Duo combines the 40 Hz pulse frequency of the Neuro Gamma and 10 Hz pulse frequency of the Neuro alpha in one device, offering all the benefits of alpha and gamma PtPBM. You, as the user, can select one of the two frequencies for your tPBM session. For example, a recent study involving children with autism (Pallanti et al, 2022) employed both the Neuro Alpha and the Neuro Gamma devices. It demonstrated a reduction in the severity of autism spectrum disorder, as well as a reduction in cognitive and behavioral rigidity. The study also demonstrated an increase in sleep quality, and improvement in attention in the study participants.

The Vielight Neuro Pro — the flagship

The most recent addition to the Neuro family of Vielight devices has been the Vielight Neuro Pro. One-of-a-kind, the Neuro Pro offers customization options that no other photobiomodulation device can offer.

Unlike other Neuro devices, the Neuro Pro is not a one-button-push device. It comes with an app that drives the functionality of the device, giving the user full control over photobiomodulation parameters. This ability to customize numerous parameters of a tPBM session is what sets the Neuro Pro apart.

For example, with regards to the stimulation at the level of neural oscillations, the Neuro Pro covers all frequency bands. It has a pulse range of up to 10,000 Hz. This capacity allows users to set the pulse rate at any frequency corresponding to any of the known brain’s neural oscillations.

Whether you are interested in stimulating and regulating delta, theta, alpha, beta, or gamma oscillations, the Neuro Pro can help you do that.

If you are researcher, a neuroscientist, or a health and wellness practitioner with a focus on the brain, you may appreciate the unique customization features that the Neuro Pro offers. Furthermore, if you are a serious biohacker, an advanced meditator seeking to deepen your meditative experience, or a neurotech aficionado, you will surely be interested in the Neuro Pro.

Is dose important for alpha and gamma brain stimulation? 

How can I regulate the amount and level of brain photobiomodulation? How can I attain the optimal outcomes from pulsed tPBM? These are very important questions. Answering them would require consideration of the capabilities of the device used, as well as user’s individual sensitivities.

When it comes to the Vielight Neuro Alpha and Gamma devices, some users find it helpful trying different session duration options to create a tPBM experience that is optimal for them. Some people do well with only 5 or 10-minute sessions at first, and then work their way up over time. Others may find that they can tolerate only shorter session durations and stay with those with which they are comfortable. However, most users report a good tolerance of a full 20-min-session, which is the Neuro device’s pre-set default duration.

Selecting the right time of day for your tPBM session could make a difference as well. Some people are benefitting from using the gamma in the mornings, or as a midday or an afternoon “pick-me-up.” The same people can also find that, if they use it in the evenings, they have trouble sleeping. Some people benefit from a few minutes of gamma stimulation to jumpstart early in the day, and then a session of alpha stimulation in the evening, to wind down.

Finding a balanced dose of pulsed tPBM stimulation

Despite overwhelming biological similarities, we have many differences that can make us feel and react differently to various stimuli. For example, some people can run full gamma stimulation sessions and feel very energized and focused, whereas more than a brief exposure to the alpha may leave them feeling muddled and a little disconnected.

On the other hand, some may feel and enjoy the calming effect of the alpha stimulation sessions, but cannot tolerate more than only a few minutes of gamma stimulation. It is important to consider these sensitivities and use the devices accordingly. There are numerous ways that you can optimize and maximize your brain photobiomodulation experience. It only takes a little bit of effort and some trial time. Understanding that, Vielight offers a 6-month-80%-back return policy on all Vielight devices, and a two-year product warranty.

Furthermore, those who use the Neuro Pro devices have many more options available to them to fine-tune their tPBM experience. If you are a lucky Neuro Pro owner, in addition to the customizing the duration, you can consider turning off some of the LED modules, decreasing the power of the LEDs, or a combination of all three variables. This personalized customization can help you to optimize your tPBM session to fit your personal needs, tolerance, and comfort. ­

How to avoid brain overstimulation during pulsed tPBM?

20-min-sessions suggested for general Vielight Neuro use are usually suitable for most. However, there is a small number of individuals who may require a little bit of self-testing to establish the tPBM session duration that both tolerable and beneficial for them.

Brain overstimulation can happen as a result of excessive dosage of tPBM. Whether you are doing alpha or gamma brain stimulation, it is always best to avoid overstimulating your brain.

Overstimulation usually manifests itself in a form of a transient headache. Practice shows that there can be too much of a good thing, and more does not always mean better. Notably, an important factor in avoiding overstimulation is understanding your individual response to tPBM. It is important to establish the appropriate dose of stimulation that works for your brain specifically.

A simple way to do this is to start tPBM stimulation with lower duration and increase it over time. For example, a starting time can be 5 minutes per session, every second day, to establish your tolerance level. The users with good tolerance can gradually increase the time to 10 minutes, then to 15 minutes, and finally to full 20 minutes per session. This tolerance testing could be done over a period of 3-4 weeks. In addition to the tPBM session duration, it is important to consider the frequency of the sessions. The general suggested frequency of use for the Vielight Neuro devices is 3 times a week or every second day. However, in some cases the use can be extended to up to 6 days a week with one day off.

Some neurofeedback practitioners suggest that there are ways to mediate overstimulation with one pulse rate by using another. If a person prone to overstimulation undergoes gamma stimulation, for example, they could potentially mediate that overstimulated feeling by using alpha wave stimulation immediately after. This option could help to bring that higher frequency state in the brain’s gamma oscillations to a more agreeable level.

How to avoid brain under-stimulation during pulsed tPBM?

On the other hand, under-stimulation, or delivering insufficient levels of light energy to the brain, is also not a good practice. It would defeat the purpose of tPBM. Appropriate dosing of tPBM levels is an important factor in attaining best outcomes.

How long does it take to feel the effects of pulsed tPBM

In conclusion, it is important to note the timeline of when the effects of pulsed tPBM sessions may occur. Usually, users notice some effects of pulsed tPBM within a period of 2 weeks to 3 months after their first tPBM session. This period is reported anecdotally by the users, and seen in a number of studies, many of which have been mentioned above.

Everyone’s brain is “wired” somewhat differently, and sensitivities to brain stimulation differ. Depending on where you are on the sensitivity spectrum, you may feel the effects somewhat earlier or somewhat later.

“tPBM has become a central element in my protocol design process. I find it to be an excellent complement to the functional support provided by neurofeedback.”
“Helping brains develop new connections which support better function is an important part of neurofeedback training. Based on emerging research, tPBM can potentially support the growth of those new pathways.”
Penijean Gracefire, LMHC, BCN, qEEG-D, Neurofeedback and tPBM provider and Neuro Pro user.

What is the place of photobiomodulation in a neurofeedback practice?

Every neurofeedback practitioner is aware that human brains prioritize resourcing and organization based on what they pay the most attention to. However, not everyone is aware that photobiomodulation can be an effective way to recruit the brain’s attentional networks for better results.

Neurofeedback and photobiomodulation are relatively new fields. For many, they are still somewhat esoteric fields of brain stimulation, training and modulation. Incidentally, both began their development in the late 1950s. The field of neurofeedback originated in California, while the field of PBM started in Hungary by accident. Furthermore, both can help the brain deal with complex issues while complementing each other.

The brain is an adaptive and self-reinforcing system, and neurofeedback, as a form of brain modulation, attempts to retrain neural response patterns. However, even the most effective neurofeedback interventions can encounter less responsive central nervous systems. Luckily, neurofeedback providers can benefit from having multiple ways to supply information to the brain. Thus, some brains will respond better to tPBM or to a combination of tPBM and EEG feedback. Therefore, having access to modern technological tools that offer a variety of viable brain-training options can improve neurofeedback’s outcomes.

Recent Developments in Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation has emerged as a promising therapy for ameliorating symptoms associated with both mental health and neurophysiological conditions. Early findings recorded in the literature indicate that photobiomodulation has significant clinical potential in the treatment of a number of brain-based disorders. These include, but not limited to, traumatic brain injury (Henderson, 2016), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (Johnstone, 2015), improving executive function (Barrett, 2013), memory (Rojas, 2012), stroke and developmental disorders (Hamblin, 2016), and depression (Cassano, 2015).

A meta-analysis of articles examining the link between photobiomodulation and biological processes such as metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and neurogenesis suggest that these processes are potentially effective targets for photobiomodulation to treat depression and brain injury. There is also preliminary clinical evidence suggesting the efficacy of photobiomodulation in treating major depressive disorder, comorbid anxiety disorders, and suicidal ideation (Cassano, 2016).

Pairing tPBM’s documented enhancement of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and synaptogenesis (Hennessy, 2017) with EEG-based feedback paradigms that focus on supporting neural connectivity (Collura, 2008) potentially offers a novel approach to building better brain infrastructure at any age.

Why is photobiomodulation technology synergetic with neurofeedback? 

Neurofeedback is often based on scalp electroencephalography (EEG), which measures cortical activity, and doesn’t explicitly include activity from subcortical brain regions. However, a specialized transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) system, like Vielight Neuro Pro for example, can deliver NIR light to the brain stem. It can offer a more direct impact to lower central nervous system circuitry. This is one way specialized photobiomodulation technology can complement neurofeedback and help to improve its timeline and effects.

As a source of light, tPBM supports the brain energetically, helping it with energy supply to build new connections. Neurofeedback specialists can take advantage of this new optimized state that is supportive of learning. Furthermore, when this happens, neurofeedback training can help the brain to develop better cognitive functions.

Moreover, technically astute neurofeedback practitioners may prefer additional customization options from their tPBM device to further improve outcomes. They may want to directly impact neural network patterns, particularly if they are qEEG users. This group of neurofeedback specialists may prefer to use advanced features of a professional tPBM system. For example, features like phase synchrony/asynchrony of tPBM pulsing, or options to develop a database of specialized tPBM programs that complement neurofeedback.

What are the benefits of combining neurofeedback and brain photobiomodulation? 

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that is based specifically on brain activity. To put it simply, neurofeedback utilizes neuroplasticity to modulate and change the brain’s response to various stimuli. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change. To attain such change, the brain needs to go through training. Thus, during the training, the brain learns to adopt a new response to a known stimulus.

Interestingly, additional stimulus or stimuli may be introduced to help the brain change its response. For example, light, color, sound, and tactile sensations are some of the primary stimuli that can be used to retrain the brain during neurofeedback sessions.

Brain photobiomodulation is a way to deliver the light to the brain. Therefore, it can be used as an additional stimulus for neurofeedback. A specialized tPBM system can become a very useful and synergetic tool in neurofeedback. For example, it can act as a mechanism for priming the brain prior to a neurofeedback session. It can also open numerous opportunities for creative approaches to improving neurofeedback outcomes.

Furthermore, neurofeedback practitioners are well aware that some individuals have difficulty tolerating initial neurofeedback sessions. This can be either because of anxiety or sensory processing issues. Therefore, having an alternative intervention that is less time-intensive and doesn’t involve pastes or gels can be helpful. It can provide some early alleviation of symptom intensity until the client is more comfortable with the neurofeedback process.

Effects of transcranial PBM on the brain 

Brain PBM, or tPBM, can be helpful for the brain on cellular level. It helps to support the brain by transcranially delivering the energy of the near-infrared (NIR) light directly to the neurons.

Current abundant research shows that NIR has the best penetration rate and is particularly suitable for brain stimulation and modulation. Although the research into tPBM has a long way to go, the science behind tPBM is gaining acceptance

While therapeutic uses of red light across the body are well documented, research into the effects of various light pulsation frequencies on the brain are more limited. The most commonly known tPBM frequencies are 10 Hz (Alpha) and 40 Hz (Gamma). Both correspond to the respective alpha and gamma oscillations in the brain. Most of the tPBM pulse frequency related research is focused on these two frequencies and below. Thus, the effects of the higher frequency pulse rates on the brain need more research. Modern tPBM systems offer more sophisticated options to conduct tPBM-related research.

The importance of specialized tPBM hardware for neurofeedback 

The absence of hardware suitable for extended research utilizing higher pulse frequencies has been somewhat of a hindrance. However, over the last few years, tPBM research has made significant progress opening the doors for deeper knowledge dives. Thus, both the researchers and practitioners utilizing tPBM are showing interest in studying and analyzing the effects of higher pulse frequencies on the brain.

Furthermore, new technologies and growing body of knowledge are helping to improve the capabilities of new tPBM hardware. For example, the recently introduced Vielight Neuro Pro tPBM system allows setting the pulse frequency between 0 and 10,000 Hz. The Neuro Pro’s numerous other variables can also be changed to find the best possible fit for the task at hand.

Why brain photobiomodulation should be of interest for neurofeedback practitioners?

Many neurofeedback practitioners have already discovered the beneficial synergies between neurofeedback and brain photobiomodulation. Thus, some use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), others use Frequency and Power Neurofeedback, and there are other forms and options. While practitioners can use different tools for and types of neurofeedback in their practice, many principles stay common.

For example, the concepts of brain mapping and brain priming are familiar to many neurofeedback practitioners. While brain mapping requires measuring tools, brain priming requires interventional tools. However, interventions do not have to be invasive.

One form of noninvasive intervention for brain priming can be transcranial photobiomodulation. There are neurofeedback practitioners who have already discovered the important and effective synergies that tPBM can offer in their work.

Photobiomodulation Research References: 

Barrett D.W., Gonzalez-Lima F. Transcranial infrared laser stimulation produces beneficial cognitive and emotional effects in humans. Neuroscience. 2013;230:13–23. [PubMed]

Cassano P., Petrie S.R., Hamblin M.R., Henderson T.A., Iosifescu D.V. Review of transcranial photobiomodulation for major depressive disorder: targeting brain metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis. Neurophotonics. 2016;3:031404. [PubMed]

Cassano P., Cusin C., Mischoulon D., Hamblin M.R., De Taboada L., Pisoni A., Chang T., Yeung A., Ionescu D.F., Petrie S.R., Nierenberg A.A., Fava M., Iosifescu D.V. Near-infrared transcranial radiation for major depressive disorder: proof of concept study. Psychiatry J. 2015;2015:352979. [PubMed]

Collura, T.F. (2008) Towards a coherent view of brain connectivity. Journal of Neurotherapy. 12, 2–3, 99–110.

De Freitas L.F., Hamblin M.R. Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quantum Electron. 2016;22:7000417.

Gonzalez-Lima F., Barrett D.W. Augmentation of cognitive brain functions with transcranial lasers. Front. Syst. Neurosci. 2014;8:36. [PubMed]

Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clinical, 6, 113–124. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002

Henderson T.A., Morries L.D. Near-infrared photonic energy penetration: can infrared phototherapy effectively reach the human brain? Neuropsychiatr. Dis. Treat. 2015;11:2191–2208.[PubMed]

Henderson T.A. Multi-watt near-infrared light therapy as a neuroregenerative treatment for traumatic brain injury. Neural Regen. Res. 2016;11:563–565. [PubMed]

More References: 

Henderson T.A., Morries L.D. SPECT perfusion imaging demonstrates improvement of traumatic brain injury with transcranial near-infrared laser phototherapy. Adv. Mind Body Med. 2015;29:27–33.[PubMed]

Hennessy, M., & Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Photobiomodulation and the brain: a new paradigm. Journal of Optics (2010), 19(1), 013003–. https://doi.org/10.1088/2040-8986/19/1/013003

Johnstone D.M., Moro C., Stone J., Benabid A.L., Mitrofanis J. Turning on lights to stop neurodegeneration: the potential of near infrared light therapy in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Front. Neurosci. 2015;9:500. [PubMed]

Rojas J.C., Bruchey A.K., Gonzalez-Lima F. Low-level light therapy improves cortical metabolic capacity and memory retention. J. Alzheimers Dis. 2012;32:741–752. [PubMed]

Rojas, JC., Gonzalez-Lima, F. Neurological and psychological applications of transcranial lasers and LEDs. Biochem Pharmacol. 2013 Aug 15;86(4):447-57. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.012. Epub 2013 Jun 24.

What can be achieved by combining neurofeedback with photobiomodulation?

A creative and curious mind can be a beginning of something new, something important, even something big. This is as true in the field of arts as it is in the field of sciences. This article offers one more testament to these observations.

Penijean Gracefire is a licensed mental health counsellor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. She focuses on the applications of neurofeedback in her work with clients. Like many neurofeedback practitioners, she is excited by technology that can help her in her work. Unlike most, she is a techno geek, when it comes to her tools. Moreover, her interest in and fascination with technology helps her to discover new ways of helping her clients. She also happened to have an affinity for engineering and innovation, and pushes the frontier of her tools to the limits.

Thus, one day Penijean discovered trascranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) and Vielight’s tPBM devices. What happened when a talented neurofeedback practitioner with a curious mind decided on combining neurofeedback with photobiomodulation. Let’s find out the answer directly from Penijean Gracefire, LMHC.

How long have you been working with transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM)?

Penijean: I’ve been interested in how light affects brains and bodies for as long as I can remember. Sometimes I joke that my interest in the therapeutic applications of light began when I was four years old. That is when I discovered that I could soothe a fussy younger sibling using a prism. Even as a child I noticed that my mood was affected by light and color, and I wanted to know why.

I picked up my first infrared light therapy device in 2005. Then I spent some years using tPBM for peripheral applications, such as relaxation and pain management.

What have brought you to tPBM initially and why did you stay with it?

Penijean: My initial experience using tPBM to stimulate the peripheral nervous system was informative and useful. However, I found that the applications were limited for my interests. Eventually I moved on to interventions that focused more on the central nervous system.

In 2017, I met Dr. Lew Lim at a neurofeedback conference. Our discussion of his Vielight Neuro device reignited my interest in tPBM. At that time I had been sitting on ideas for integrating infrared stim (stimulation) into a closed loop neuromodulation design. Dr. Lim was willing to allow me to use the Vielight platform to start creating new techniques. My design concept incorporated both the tPBM and the neurofeedback protocols.

The early results from the prototype designs were very promising. Thus, tPBM has become a much more central element in my protocol design process. I found it to be an excellent and naturally fitting complement to neurofeedback.

Where do you see synergies between tPBM and neurofeedback?

Penijean: Research indicates that tPBM has potential to support synaptogenesis – the creation of new synapses. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4870908/

Neurofeedback relies on brain plasticity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroplasticity) to help individuals learn new ways to process information and regulate stress responses. Injury or illness can reduce neural capacity to adapt in real time to the changing demands of our environment. Brains need healthy and flexible neural networks to be able to prioritize and shift attention. Furthermore, they need to have the capacity to signal the central nervous system to wind down and relax. For example, this would be useful when a busy day is over.

Helping brains develop new connections, which support better function, is an important part of neurofeedback training. In my view, tPBM can potentially support the growth of those new pathways.

Combining tPBM with Neurofeedback, have you noticed anything new that could have a strong potential for helping your clients?

Penijean: The “feedback” part of neurofeedback means that we are giving the brain information based on its own behavioral changes. Typically, this feedback consists of musical sounds or visual data displays or, perhaps, an object that physically vibrates. For the feedback to work, it needs to be sufficiently novel and stimulating to recruit the brain’s attention.

After experimenting with and designing a number of innovative feedback techniques, I created the first EEG-modulated pEMF designs. While pEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, EEG stands for electroencephalogram. This protocol design has tremendous therapeutic potential. At the same time, these new integrated training protocols were yielding very exciting results. However, I work with many populations that are medically fragile and have compromised systems. Therefore, not all cases were suitable for the information-dense combination of neurofeedback and pEMF.

Combining Neurofeedback and Photobiomodulation

For some individuals, integrated tPBM and neurofeedback offers the perfect balance. Thus, on the one hand, this combination provides not so much feedback that their system feels overwhelmed. On the other hand, it provides not too little feedback that would fail to effectively recruit the brain’s attention.

I adapted my designs and created the first closed loop EEG-modulated pNIR (pulsed near-infrared light) protocols. This means that the individual not only simultaneously receives both the tPBM and the neurofeedback, but the NIR pulses themselves are changing in real time based on live EEG.

The combination of neurofeedback and tPBM is like a conversation with a wise friend while sitting in the afternoon sun. You receive both, the benefits of learning new helpful things about yourself and the benefits of absorbing natural light.

TPBM is the light source that supports your brain energetically, as it builds new connections. When this happens, the neurofeedback takes advantage of this optimized learning state to help your brain develop better cognitive function.

Can you provide some examples of how you employ tPBM in your neurofeedback practice?

Penijean: The practical flexibility of tPBM in a clinical setting is one of its strengths. Whether I use tPBM as a standalone therapeutic approach or combine it with other modalities often depends on individual needs.

Some people are sufficiently responsive. Thus, for them, 5-10 minutes of tPBM by itself is enough to produce a noticeable impact. Other people are a little more resilient. For those, I may do multiple things in a session, but in a sequence instead of simultaneously.

TPBM can be an effective primer at the beginning of a session before introducing sensory grounding techniques, or heart rate variability training. By applying tPBM to the head, we can help stimulate neural activity immediately prior to a neurofeedback session.

When combining tPBM with other modalities, you are only limited by your own creativity. Therefore, I try to be as creative as appropriate. For example, I may have someone wear a pair of violet eye lenses while receiving a 40hz tPBM stimulation. This helps to create a shift in gamma activity. I can also have someone wear a pair of dark amber or orange lenses, when receiving a 10hz stimulation. This can help to support slowing down into a more alpha-wave friendly state.

I noticed that layering other inputs over tPBM can also help with state flexibility and integration. Thus, utilizing inputs like binaural beats, vibrating sensory aids, or progressive relaxation audio can be helpful.

What benefits do you see tPBM on its own and in combination with neurofeedback can provide at this stage?

Penijean: A helpful way to think about these modalities is in terms of how much of a resource demand they place on a nervous system. This can be in terms of demand on attention, arousal, processing and integration. Each technique is a different way of asking the brain to prioritize and learn from specific types of sensory information. Furthermore, different brains may respond differently to the stimuli.

Some brains learn more easily when we present information to them in simpler ways. Those people make quicker, more noticeable progress, if they receive tPBM and neurofeedback separately. This separation can be done either during different sessions, or at different times during a session.

Other brains have more capacity for integrating complex information. They seem to benefit more from the combination of neurofeedback and tPBM. Often such individuals are less medically fragile and have more physical resources to help them process more dense cognitive tasks.

Both of these approaches are beneficial. Usually, we start with the simpler approach and build up over time to more complex feedback designs.

What benefits do your clients report during and following your protocols that include tPBM?

Penijean: Clients report results across a wide spectrum. Some improvements are expected, such as better sleep, more functional attention and cognitive flexibility, and less anxiety. However, I am pleasantly surprised by how frequently clients report unanticipated benefits.

For example, one elderly woman recovered her ability to remember music that she thought she lost years ago. An executive who came to reduce his anxiety around work was very happy to discover his golf game improved significantly. Children, brought in by parents concerned about academic performance, have noticed improved visual integration, better frontal lobe inhibition, and increased social awareness. As you can see, there is a lot to learn.

As you are aware, Vielight has developed and will be launching a unique new tPBM device, the Neuro Pro. What do you think the applications of the Neuro Pro can be for neurofedback practitioners and their patients specifically?

Penijean: Being both a health and wellness practitioner and a designer of innovative ways to interact with the brain, I am limited only by two things. These things are my own creativity, and the capabilities of my tools. I am someone who tends to push devices to their limits. Therefore, I am always looking for user interfaces that allow as much customization and choice as the platform can support.

The Neuro Pro is the type of device, which will allow to design and build tPBM sessions specifically tailored to a specific individual. The capacity for programming a series of pulses based on a person’s unique EEG signatures will be unprecedented.

While not every practitioner will want to design their own protocols, the Neuro Pro will still provide the platform for all practitioners to run the protocols developed by researchers.

New Brain Modulation Techniques

When new effective brain modulation techniques emerge, they can only spread as widely as the availability of the technology. Neuro Pro will support the innovation of new tPBM protocols. At the same time it will provide the devices by which these protocols can be implemented and used.

This means that neurofeedback providers will be able to pair up more precise tPBM protocols with the customized EEG biofeedback. Techniques that have not been possible before, such as cross frequency coupling feedback timed synced with near infrared pulses, to improve neural networks, or ramping frequency delivery protocols that help the brain learn state flexibility, may become much more accessible.

What could be the applications of this device for researchers and health and wellness practitioners dealing with human brains?

Penijean: One of the critical principles of interacting with the brain in effective ways is being able to observe and, to a degree, mimic some of the complex dynamics, which make up flexible neural states. The brain habituates quickly to repetitive stimuli, because so it can prioritize its limited resources.

The Neuro Pro offers the possibility of building more sophisticated and precise tPBM protocols. These protocols could not only capture the brain’s attention better, but also could produce informational sequences, which more closely match neural patterns. Thus, this Vielight device opens potential for advanced stimulation designs that can target network behaviors with more nuance and specificity.

What else would you like to add in conclusion?

Penijean: In an increasingly tech savvy society, as we are suffering from the habitual overexposure to specific light frequencies from heavy screen use, it seems poetic to me that we may be able to help rewire these brains using other types of light. The light is information. Our bodies rely on light sources to help us regulate various systems and functions. Thus, regulating circadian rhythms, affecting our sleep cycles, our immune systems, our metabolism, and our mental health are some possibilities.

Wavelengths of light are a language. The more we learn, the better we can speak to our body in ways, which it recognizes as familiar and healing. Transcranial photobiomodulation could be an invaluable mechanism in our pursuit of improving brain’s function and wellbeing.

General wellness devices come in many forms and colours. Some sleek, some quirky-looking, they are useful gadgets, which can be helpful for your wellbeing. Brain stimulation and neural modulation are only two of the areas where new generations of general wellness devices are gaining footprint.

Only a few years ago brain stimulation was a closed playground. It was destined for cutting edge science and research. However, today, general wellness devices can stimulate your brain and help to boost your mental acuity right at your home.

Brain wellness is garnering a lot of attention over the recent decade. Even younger adults, those under forty, are interested in supporting their brain. This interest is not without bases. Thus, statistical data is painting an unpleasant picture that shows proliferation of dementia in our society. That is a strong enough stimulus for fear to trigger a sympathetic response in the brain. Truly, the perspective of suffering through dementia is not a particularly appealing scenario for anyone. No wonder people are searching for ways to support and help their brain.

Brain Stimulation Devices

Among options available to support brain wellness, brain stimulation devices are the newest category of products. Some of them are medical devices and some are general wellness devices. The latter category intended to help in supporting brain wellness. Let’s dig in deeper.

Even for those with highly consumerist attitudes and high expectations it can be hard to imagine that a small and strange-looking contraption can stimulate the brain. Furthermore, the new technology pushes this category of device even further, and some brain stimulation devices can do their job anywhere. Thus, no need to go to a specialized laboratory or some other dedicated facility.

For example, you can simply pop the device on your head, press a button, and off goes a brain stimulation session. Moreover, no drilling required, so the number of holes in your body will not increase. You can also preserve your lovely skull in its original shape, which is likely an important factor for many.

Funny things aside, the fact that today anyone can purchase an at-home-use brain stimulation device has to be awe-inspiring. A specialized consumer device that can deliver neural stimulation in an unsupervised, self-administered session is worth appreciation and continued research. That is exactly what Vielight and many researchers do.

Are Vielight Brain Modulation Devices Safe

Furthermore, speaking about such devices, it is important to note that Vielight is a leading designer and manufacturer of brain stimulation devices. The Vielight devices utilize near infrared light (NIR) to reach and stimulate the brain transcranially.

Not less important is the fact that this form of neural stimulation, photoneuromodulation (PNM) or transcranial photobimodulation (tPBM), is noninvasive. Moreover, it is likely the least invasive form of neural stimulation. Therefore, the Vielight brain stimulation devices are not only simple in exploitation, but also safe and noninvasive consumer-focused products.

Neural Stimulation vs Brain Stimulation vs Brain Modulation

Do you find some of the terminology around brain stimulation to be confusing? Sometimes you can hear or read terms neural stimulation, sometimes, brain stimulation, brain modulation and sometimes, transcranial photobiomodulation. Although these terms may sound somewhat different, in general, they refer to similar processes, and some use them interchangeably. For example, transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a form of brain stimulation. On the other hand, neural stimulation can be used completely interchangeably with brain stimulation and means exactly the same.

However, brain modulation has somewhat different connotations. Unlike the other terms, it implies the process of changes to the brain, and not just its stimulation. Thus, Vielight tPBM devices do both, brain stimulation and brain modulation.

Neural Stimulation and Brain Wellness

At this point you might have questions about how brain stimulation translates into brain wellness. A simple answer is stimulation presumes that something will happen to change the status quo, or the current state of something. In this case the brain is the subject of change.

For example, some of you may have experienced slower reaction and some sort of decline in mental focus. Such changes could happen because some of the neurons may become hypoxic over time. There can be a number of reasons for such changes. Natural aging of the brain is one of them.

When this happens, your neural networks may not function as well as they once where. In this case, the focus of brain stimulation could be on improving mental acuity. Thus, a tPBM device could help to stimulate the neurons in the brain. Following stimulation, some of the hypoxic neurons could become more active. They can start firing again and participating in the creation of stronger neural networks. Consequently, this type of brain stimulation can provide support for the brain. It can also lead to improvements in mental acuity and overall brain wellness.

Non-medical Brain Stimulation

However, it is important to note that this form of brain stimulation in not medical. This means that it is not intended to cure an illness or its specific symptoms. On the other hand, the goal is to provide support for the brain, improve mental acuity and to delay brain’s aging.

The devices that can offer such stimulation fall in the category of general wellness devices. These are not medical devices. Of course, there are other forms of brain stimulation and neural modulation. Some of them can support general brain wellness, others have medical use, yet there are those that can do both. However, that would be a subject for another article.

At-home Brain Modulation 

As you may recall from the above, a big thing about modern brain stimulation devices is their simplicity of use. On the one hand, new technology is very sophisticated. On the other, it allows to simplify many functions. It is also conducive of compact product designs, which can comfortably fit with any settings of a personal dwelling. After all, you would only need a small footprint to put the device on. It can be not much bigger than the size of a book. Furthermore, the latest brain stimulation devices can be also so simple in exploitation that anyone can use them at home.

For example, Vielight products are known for their simplicity and one-button-push operation. This is manageable even on the days when you are very tired or have little energy. No need to deal with complex contraptions or unruly technology. Instead, the Vielight device offer simple design and one button to press to start brain stimulation and neural modulation.

Personal wellness has become a very hot subject over the last decade. The majority of interest in this subject area is focused on physical wellness, mostly of the body. Thankfully, more and more people are realizing the importance of brain wellness. There is a growing interest in maintaining a healthy brain and cognitive “sharpness.”  The latter refers to mental or cognitive acuity.

Thus, there is more and more buzz about such subjects as cognitive or mental acuity. Brain performance, cognitive vitality and general brain wellness are becoming more commonplace subjects of interest to larger audiences. What used to be the domain of biohackers is rapidly moving into mainstream.

Everyone likes to feel good and to be sharp. Maintaining healthy brain function is imperative, if you’re going to remain competitive and competent in the workplace, business, sports and creative endeavors. It is no less important in personal aspects of life and in supporting good quality of life overall. If you want to be sharp, you need to take care of your cognitive acuity.

What is Mental Acuity, or is it Cognitive Acuity? (Potato — Pot[a]to)

The terms mental acuity and cognitive acuity refer to the same functions and abilities of the human brain. Therefore, they are two different ways to name the same thing. While mental acuity is a more commonly used term, cognitive acuity is the preferred term in the scientific community.

Cognitive or mental acuity is one of those terms that everyone seems to understand, but few really know what it actually means. So, what exactly is cognitive acuity? Let’s shed some light on this subject and define it.

If you were to search for “cognitive acuity” on Google, you would quickly notice that there isn’t a great deal of information available on the subject. That’s because cognitive acuity isn’t a thing in and of itself. Instead, it’s a cluster of mental processes that we, as humans, rely on for optimal brain function and performance. Consequently, cognitive acuity refers to the following brain functions:

Information processing

Memory storage

Attention

Situational judgement

Information Processing

Your brain’s capacity to process information is its most important function. The brain has the ability to store, manipulate, and record information that you gather from your environment. You need to be able to sort through all that information in order to make sound and logical decisions with speed and accuracy. (Loftus, G. 2019. Human Memory: The Processing of Information). This process of “sorting” is called information processing and is a major factor contributing to cognitive acuity.

Memory Storage

Your ability to store memories is directly related to your ability to process sensory information. In your everyday life, you are constantly bombarded by various forms of information. You have a great deal of visual information coming in, along with auditory and sensory information (touch, taste, and smell).

Your brain needs to discern which information is relevant and important, and which information should be ignored. Relevant information is further processed into memories, and that isn’t an easy process. Memory storage, whether it’s short-term or long-term memory, is fraught with problems.

Recording and storing memories depends on our capacity to process information quickly and accurately. All information processing in a human brain is fallible to a certain extent. Inevitably, some information gets lost or distorted, as it is coded into a memory. Efficient memory storage relies on sound information processing and on an efficient attentional system. (Loftus, G. 2019. Human Memory: The Processing of Information).

Attention

Attention is the brain’s ability to focus on one task or a single sensory stimulus. More importantly, the brain does it despite the presence of other sensory stimuli competing for your attention. The ability to pick out one thing from your environment and apply concentrated focus to it is a special ability. It is also an ability that can be improved with training.

Most people find it hard to do two things at the same time. Dividing your attention can lead to performance errors and faulty memory coding. To enhance cognitive acuity, it’s best to avoid distractions and practice focused attention. Such practice will improve your brain’s information processing and allow you to have more effective situational judgement: a skill that is crucial for problem solving. (Pashler, H. 2016. Attentional Limitations in Dual-task Performance).

Situational Judgement

According to Peter Leeds, a Behavioral Scientist from the University of Baltimore, effective cognitive or mental acuity plays a direct role in our ability to detect the correct response in any given situation. Making sound decisions that have optimal outcomes is a very important and desired skill. The capacity to make sound decisions depends upon the ability to pay attention to the sensory information coming in and judging how to choose the right response.

Situational judgement is particularly important in fast-paced environments, where split-second decision making is required. This quality relies on the other skills associated with cognitive acuity, specifically, information processing, memory, and attention, as discussed above. (Leeds, P. 2017. Behavior Research Methods).

Speed and accuracy of the brain response and information processing
as a measure of cognitive or mental acuity

To reiterate, cognitive or mental acuity is effectively a measure of the brain’s ability to respond to a stimulus. It accounts for the speed of a response and the quality and relevance of the response. Oftentimes, such measures of response are defined in layman terms as the “sharpness” of the human mind.

To assess an individual’s state of cognitive acuity, one would need to measure the speed of the individual’s brain responses. This can be done on biochemical and biophysical levels, which are very complex processes.

Alternatively, the speed of the brain response can be measured by cognitive tests. These specialized tests examine a number of factors relevant to cognitive or mental acuity. More specifically, these factors can be broken down to responses associated with cognitive focus and concentration, memory, and understanding. In measuring these four categories, it is possible to assess how well the brain performs relative to a benchmark or a baseline.

The sharpness of mind — the speed and the quality of brain responses

We can break down these factors further and add clarity to the definitions, as well as to the subject mater itself. Let’s take a look at what constitutes the speed and the quality of responses, as well as the sharpness of the mind.

It is important to note that cognitive or mental acuity can have an effect on intellectual abilities of an individual. However, although it can affect one’s ability to retrieve knowledge, it does not constitute a measure of one’s intellectual capacity. In more simple terms, the assessment of your mental acuity does not measure how smart you are.

Mental acuity and intellectual capacity: crystalized and fluid intelligence

Thus, cognitive acuity has to do with some of the aspects of brain’s physiological functions affecting fluid intelligence. Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to reason and think flexibly, and to solve problems. Information processing and situational judgement are the factors that support this category.

Mental acuity has less to do with longer-term intellectual capacity, although it can influence crystalized intelligence. Crystallized intelligence refers to the accumulation of knowledge, facts, and skills that are acquired throughout life and the ability to recall and use that knowledge. Memory storage, as discussed earlier, is a relevant factor for this category.

How do benchmarks and baselines help to measure cognitive acuity?

Benchmarks themselves can represent the brain’s capacity to perform a specific task in a given state. For example, there are benchmarks to help estimate cognitive acuity of a healthy brain. Other benchmarks allow assessment of the current state of individual’s mental acuity based on the brain with abnormal functions.

Such abnormalities can range from very mild, to heavily pronounced or severe. The former can occur when a person is tired, for example. The latter can be seen in individuals with complex neurodegenerative disorders. People with neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, score very poorly on cognitive acuity tests. As a result, the more progressed the disease is, the lower is the score on the cognitive acuity test.

Fluctuations in cognitive acuity and cognitive vitality

Individuals with healthy brains can experience drops in the levels of their cognitive acuity. This can happen due to exhaustion, fatigue, stress or illness, among other factors. Such fluctuations in cognitive acuity can be recorded reasonably easily by way of analysis using standardised testing and personal benchmarking.

The records of such analysis can help individuals to better understand what leads to declines in their cognitive acuity. Knowing the cause can help to eliminate or avoid it. If neither is possible, one can elect a therapy to remedy the effects of such cause on the brain and on cognitive acuity.

What is important in assessing cognitive acuity and cognitive vitality?

The reason benchmarks and baselines are important is because they help to assess an individual’s cognitive acuity based on relevant criteria. Numerous factors can be of consideration in establishing the appropriateness of cognitive acuity tests. Thus, age, level of physical fitness and activity, diet and other lifestyle factors can influence cognitive (mental) acuity.

For example, it would make little sense to assess the normal state of mental acuity of an average sixty-year-old and an average sixteen-year-old based on exactly the same criteria. However, some criteria can and will overlap in different age groups, although, the expected performance benchmarks will be different.

How does age affect cognitive acuity?

Studies and empirical data show that, on average, an individual adult’s cognitive acuity deteriorates with age. Notably, numerous factors like lifestyle and diet, fitness and general health can contribute to fluctuations, changes and declines in cognitive acuity.

On average, as is the case with all organs, the brain’s ability to perform its tasks and duties usually deteriorates over time. Therefore, older people are more susceptible to deficiencies in cognitive acuity. Manifestations of such deficiencies can include forgetfulness, decreasing ability to focus and more.

Many of you have heard or even used the phrase, “I am not as sharp as I used to be.” It is a colloquial expression that often refers to a recognition of a decline in mental acuity with age. Importantly, it points to the fact that an individual is capable of recognizing such a decline on his or her own.

What factors contribute to a decline in cognitive acuity?

Numerous factors can contribute to a decline in mental acuity. Among them are environmental factors, lifestyle factors, circadian rhythm factors, factors related to blood oxygenation and blood circulation, genetic factors, and drug-related factors.

Environmental factors

The factors affecting cognitive acuity and cognitive vitality can be environmental, like air and water quality, and exposure to sunlight. Numerous studies support this hypothesis.

Lifestyle factors

The factors affecting cognitive acuity can be personal lifestyle-related factors like physical activity, diet, education, professional and leisure activities.

Duration and quality of sleep also contribute to cognitive acuity and cognitive vitality. The actual effect of lifestyle factors on cognitive vitality remains a subject of ongoing studies and debates. (Arthur F. Kramer et al, 2004, Environmental Influences on Cognitive and Brain Plasticity During Aging).

Blood circulation and blood oxygenation effects on mental acuity

Poor blood circulation and blood oxygenation can be contributing factors to declines in cognitive (mental) acuity. They can also be effects of an unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary choices. If you are concerned with your blood circulation and blood oxygenation, it may be a good time to reassess your lifestyle. You can make healthier choices and pay more careful attention to your physical activity routine and your diet.

Circadian rhythms factors

Activity-rest patterns and circadian rhythms can contribute to the variations in mental acuity. Circadian rhythms are regulatory cycles in the brain. They manage your alertness and sleepiness on 24-hour cycles. Your brain will react to changes in the environment based on this 24-hour circadian rhythm cycle. This is a very important and complex regulatory mechanism that developed in mammals over a long period of time.

If your circadian rhythm is off, it may not trigger timely and appropriate responses to the environmental changes from your brain. Thus, you may suffer from insufficient sleep and poor physical recovery, further inhibiting your mental acuity.

Genetic factors

Moreover, genetic factors can play an important role in changes in cognitive or mental acuity and cognitive vitality. If you have dementia or neurodegenerative diseases somewhere in your family tree, you may be more susceptible to such disorders. It is hardly possible to change genetic predispositions, at least at this point in time. However, healthy lifestyle choices may help to decrease the probability of or postpone the onset of neurological disorders.

Drugs related factors

As well, some drugs, both medical and illegal, can be contributors to your mental acuity decline. Various illegal drags can have detrimental effects on your brain’s ability to function normally, and, therefore, on your mental acuity.

Unfortunately, some prescription medications can also have negative effects on your mental acuity. Most commonly, these could occur as side effects of a medication. It is prudent to speak to your physician about the possible side effects and dangers of the medications that you are taking. You can also inquire about remedies to help to mitigate such side effects.

Curiously, some of the contributing factors can also be those that can help to mitigate the changes in mental acuity. This can be possible because an individual can make changes to some of those factors. For example, you can improve your diet, sleep more, exercise better, and the list goes on. These facts have prompted growth of new movements that advocate and promote healthy and natural wellness choices. Biohacking is one of them, and it is gaining popularity worldwide.

New Neuro Modulation Technology Can Help to Improve Mental Acuity

As attention to brain wellness and mental acuity has grown, so has innovation in the space of brain wellness technology. Creative minds in science and technology are cooperating to develop new tools to help you take better care of your brain. Non-invasive neuro modulation is one area of such research and cooperation, and improving mental acuity is one of its goals.

Creative new technologies utilize light, sound, electromagnetic energy and visual stimuli to stimulate your brain. Moreover, new wearable and smart devices can help train your brain and to improve your mental acuity. Some of them are non-invasive and have no side effects. This is only the beginning of a new era of personal neuro-modulation technology for home use. Stay tuned for more.

 

What can a research study reveal and where can it lead? These are the main questions that we are discussing in this blog post. Hence, focusing on the subject of what a chronic stroke patients study can tell, we take a dive into a researcher’s world of science, analysis and discovery.

Last month we published an interview with Margaret Naeser, PhD, located at the VA Boston Healthcare System, and Research Professor of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine. She shared many very interesting facts from her research work in transcranial photobiomodulation.

This month we continue our interview with Prof. Naeser. We asked her to elaborate on other directions in her research which is very significant in scope. This time we asked Prof. Naeser only one question. Her answer was much more than what we could hope for, and you can read it below.

Why have you chosen your areas of research and what would be the potential benefits of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) in those areas?

My first area of tPBM research was with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and it was chosen for me. In 2007, Michael R. Hamblin, PhD, from Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School contacted me, at the Boston VA Medical Center, to see if the Department of Veterans Affairs would be interested to use tPBM to help treat soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, who may have cognitive problems following TBI and IED blast exposure.

Dr. Hamblin was aware that a paper was about to be published in the medical journal, Stroke. This paper was showing that tPBM, using a near infrared light (NIR) wavelength of light, could penetrate through skin, skull and the meninges to reach brain cortex, to help reduce symptom severity in acute stroke patients. (Lampl et al., 2007.) Consequently, I agreed to follow up on this. Since then, we have published three TBI papers. Our papers show improved cognition in chronic TBI, following a series of tPBM treatments. (Naeser et al., 2011; 2014; and 2016 review.) We were able to conduct an open-protocol study using transcranial, light-emitting diodes (tLED) with 11 chronic, TBI cases. This study was done through Dr. Ross Zafonte, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Applying Transcranial Photobiomodulation Therapy to Chronic Stroke Patients with Aphasia.

Because we observed significant improvements following a series of tLED treatments in the chronic TBI cases, we decided to try a tLED protocol with chronic stroke patients who had language problems (aphasia), due to a stroke located in the left hemisphere of the brain.

To summarize, I have over 35 years of brain imaging research with chronic stroke patients, who have aphasia. This, for example, included studying exactly where, within the left hemisphere of the brain, the damage was located. Thus, I used CT scans and MRI scans for this research to pinpoint the lesion sites. Based on those lesion site locations, we studied stroke recovery. We worked on predicting potential for recovery of speech and language comprehension at 1 year after the stroke. Also, from 1999 – 2013, my lab had explored the use of repetitive, transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (rTMS) to improve language in chronic stroke patients with aphasia. Our rTMS research with Dr. Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Harvard Medical School, showed that language could be improved with this method.

Thus, I had experience in working with brain plasticity. I wanted to explore other non-invasive brain stimulation methods for patients with brain damage.  I was especially interested to explore the use of tLED, because it had the potential for self-administered, home treatments.

Establishing a tPBM Treatment Protocol for Chronic Stroke Patients with Aphasia.

It took several years to establish an optimal tLED treatment protocol for chronic stroke. It turned out that the tLED treatment protocol for TBI did not work well with the stroke patients.

The tLED protocol for TBI included placement of the LED cluster heads on both sides of the head/brain and all along the midline of the head, from front hairline to back hairline, including both the left and right supplementary motor areas, SMAs at the top of the head. This tLED protocol was helpful for the TBI cases, because they had damage in both sides of the head/brain. However, our best results for treating stroke patients with left hemisphere stroke, who had aphasia, was to only place the LED cluster heads on the same side of the head, as where the stroke had occurred (left side, in aphasia patients), plus only two LED placements on the midline of the head (mesial prefrontal cortex and precuneus which are cortical nodes of the Default Mode Network).

This latter protocol for the left-hemisphere stroke patients with aphasia was observed to significantly increase naming ability. As well, it improved functional connectivity in the Default Mode Network. (Ho, Martin, Yee et al., 2016; Naeser, Ho, Martin et al., PMLS, in press).

Expanding application of our optimal tPBM treatment protocol for language.

The same, optimal tLED treatment protocol we worked out for the left-hemisphere stroke patients with aphasia, is now the tLED placement protocol we think could be helpful in autism spectrum (ASD) and Down Syndrome (DS). Impaired language is often a major problem in children with ASD and DS.

The tLED placements include two midline placements on the Default Mode Network (mesial prefrontal cortex and precuneus) and over the language areas of the left hemisphere (Broca’s area, Wernicke’s area and other left perisylvian language areas). We have a few anecdotal case reports suggesting this tLED protocol was helpful to improve language in children with DS. In these cases, the parents have been treating the children at home. The improvements included new production of complete sentences, vs. only single words prior to the tLED intervention. (Anita Saltmarche, BScN, MHSc, personal communication.) We need to do more research in this area.

For example, our tLED research with the retired, professional football players who are possibly developing CTE, originated from our tLED research protocol with the chronic TBI cases, plus the dementia study done in Toronto. (Saltmarche, Naeser et al., 2017.)

Optimism, more studies, more research, more data.

We continue to be optimistic about the rapidly advancing tLED technology. We are encouraged regarding potential application of red and near-infrared LEDs to help treat other central nervous system disorders. Our goal is to improve quality of life for as long as possible. It is especially important for those who have progressive neurodegenerative disease such as dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as the professional athletes who have suffered repetitive head impacts and are possibly developing CTE.  As I noted above, we need to do more research studies.