LIGHT THERAPY RESEARCH · ALS

What the research says about light therapy and ALS

Photobiomodulation uses specific light wavelengths to support cellular function. It's an emerging area in ALS research. Here's what the studies are finding.

LIGHT THERAPY RESEARCH · ALS

What the research says about light therapy and ALS

Summary of published research – Not medical advice.

THE CONDITION

Understanding ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called motor neuron disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition.  It attacks the motor neurons that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles.

 

Early signs vary. Some people first notice weakness in a hand, a foot, or their voice. Cramping, twitching, or slurred speech can show up before more obvious changes. Over time, muscles weaken and atrophy. Eventually, the muscles that control breathing are affected.

 

ALS leads to the death of motor neurons at the cellular level. This happens due to mitochondrial failure, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and protein misfolding.

ALS, also called motor neuron disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It attacks the motor neurons that carry signals from the brain to the muscles.

 

Early signs vary. Some people notice weakness in a hand or foot. Others notice it in their voice.

 

Over time, muscles weaken. Eventually, the muscles that control breathing are affected.

Researchers now see that the environment outside the brain, like the gut, can affect disease progression.

THE BIOLOGY OF ALS

Two processes researchers keep coming back to

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Motor neurons are some of the most energy-hungry cells in the body. Research shows that ALS motor neurons struggle with oxidative phosphorylation. This leads to ATP loss and higher levels of reactive oxygen species. These mitochondrial issues start as the neurons grow.

Singh et al., Scientific Reports, 2021

Chronic neuroinflammation

Microglia are the immune cells in the brain. They begin by protecting motor neurons. However, in ALS, they change and stay in a pro-inflammatory state. That inflammation accelerates motor neuron damage rather than slowing it.

Microglia in ALS review, 2025

At the cellular level, ALS is marked by the death of motor neurons.

 

This is driven by mitochondrial failure, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and protein misfolding.

But researchers are increasingly convinced the damage isn't driven by the brain alone.

the biology of ALS

Two processes researchers keep coming back to

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Motor neurons are some of the most energy-hungry cells in the body. In ALS, they fail at producing ATP — the fuel cells run on. Without enough energy, motor neurons begin to falter and die.

Singh et al., Scientific Reports, 2021

Chronic neuroinflammation

Microglia are the immune cells in the brain. They begin by protecting motor neurons. However, in ALS, they change and stay in a pro-inflammatory state. That inflammation accelerates motor neuron damage rather than slowing it.

Microglia in ALS review, 2025

LATEST RESEARCH FOCUS

The inflammation in ALS is widespread

Neuroinflammation is now seen as a major driver of motor neuron damage — and research shows it's systemic, not just in the brain.

The gut looks different in ALS

Studies show that ALS patients have changes in their gut microbes. These changes include increased inflammation and less microbial diversity.

Inflammation feeds inflammation

Gut imbalance can send signals to the immune system. This activates microglia, which then harm motor neurons.

Both ends, not one

Researchers are now exploring whether interventions targeting both the brain and the gut may do more than treating either alone.

The implication: if inflammation drives ALS, and inflammation has a gut origin, then addressing only the brain leaves the source untouched.

Mazzini et al., J Clin Gastroenterol, 2018 · 2025 ALS microglia review

META-ANALYSIS

Promising results across the early evidence

A 2024 review and meta-analysis in PLOS ONE looked at neuromodulation methods for ALS. It concluded that PBM showed promise for temporary improvements in both quality of life and muscle function.

Mendoza et al., PLOS ONE, 2024

See the study →

CLINICAL REVIEW

Functional advantages and a favorable safety profile

A 2024 review of PBM in motor neuron disease found early signs of benefit. It noted that PBM's safety makes it a good option for patients with limited treatments.

Korean Journal of Skin Lasers and Medical Science, 2024

See the study →

FORTHCOMING PUBLICATION · 1070 NM

A 25-month case study — final journal citation pending publication

A patient with ALS using 1070 nm PBM showed measurable improvement on the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) over 25 months. This is striking given the typical pattern of decline. Peripheral oxygen saturation also improved. The full study is being published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Zarazua Jimenez & Chazot, journal citation forthcoming

See the study (link added at publication) →

ON THE HORIZON

ON THE HORIZON

What we're watching in ALS research

What we're watching in Parkinson's research

01

Larger PBM trials in ALS

The current evidence base is built mostly on case reports and small studies. Larger randomized trials are the next step the literature consistently calls for.

02

The microbiome as a biomarker

If gut composition tracks ALS progression, stool analysis could one day help monitor disease state — and possibly identify earlier intervention windows.

03

Microglia-targeted approaches

Because microglia drive much of the damage in ALS, therapies that calm chronic inflammation — including PBM and others — are being studied as a way to slow progression.

ON THE HORIZON

ON THE HORIZON

What we're watching in Parkinson's research

What we're watching in ALS research

01

Larger PBM trials in ALS

The current evidence base is built mostly on case reports and small studies. Larger randomized trials are the next step the literature consistently calls for.

02

The microbiome as a biomarker

If gut composition tracks ALS progression, stool analysis could one day help monitor disease state — and possibly identify earlier intervention windows.

03

Microglia-targeted approaches

Because microglia drive much of the ALS damage, therapies that calm chronic inflammation — including PBM — are being studied to slow progression.

Is PBM Safe + FAQ

Title

What is photobiomodulation?

Photobiomodulation, or PBM, is the use of specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to interact with cells. When light at certain wavelengths hits a cell's mitochondria, it triggers an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase.

 

This enzyme helps the cell make more ATP, its energy source. It's a non-invasive and non-thermal therapy that requires no heat, surgery, or pharmaceuticals.

Most research has looked at PBM's effects on brain health, tissue repair, and inflammation over the last twenty years. This focus has grown over decades.

Why does my loved one need the gut pad? ALS affects motor neurons.

The inflammation that damages motor neurons in ALS doesn't only come from the brain.

 

Research shows that ALS involves ongoing systemic inflammation. Much of this inflammation starts outside the central nervous system. The gut is a major source. People with ALS often show changes in their gut microbiomes. They usually have less microbial diversity and higher inflammatory markers.

 

Gut changes send immune signals into the bloodstream. These signals reach the brain and spinal cord. There, they activate microglia that damage motor neurons.

 

Treating only the brain leaves that source running. The gut pad is designed to address inflammation upstream — at one of the places it appears to start.

What does the research say about ALS?

The research is early but encouraging.

 

A 2024 review in PLOS ONE showed that photobiomodulation can temporarily boost quality of life and muscle function for ALS patients.

 

A separate 2024 clinical review found preliminary evidence of functional benefit and noted PBM's safety profile makes it especially relevant for a population with limited treatment options.

 

What's still missing: large randomized controlled trials. The literature consistently calls for them as the next step. Until then, current evidence rests on case reports, small studies, and meta-analyses of that early work.

This is an active area of research, not a settled answer.

Is photobiomodulation considered safe in the research?

Over many years of studies, PBM has been seen as low-risk. This holds true when it follows the right wavelength and dosage guidelines. It's non-invasive, non-thermal, and doesn't involve UV or ionizing radiation.

 

The most common side effects reported in studies are mild. They include occasional headaches, temporary eye fatigue from direct light, and slight skin warmth at higher doses. Serious adverse events are rare in the peer-reviewed literature.

 

The safety profile is a key topic in ALS research. Reviewers say low-risk interventions are best for patients with few treatment options. Check with your healthcare provider before starting any therapy if you have certain medical conditions. This is especially important for people on photosensitizing medications, those with a history of seizures, and those with eye conditions.

References
Mazzini, L., et al. (2018). Potential role of gut microbiota in ALS pathogenesis and possible novel therapeutic strategies. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.
Mendoza, et al. (2024). Current perspectives on neuromodulation in ALS patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE.
Microglia in ALS: Insights into Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. (2025).
Photobiomodulation in motor neuron disease: a clinical review. (2024). Korean Journal of Skin Lasers and Medical Science.
Singh, T., et al. (2021). Neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is developmentally regulated. Scientific Reports.
Zarazua Jimenez, J. E., & Chazot, P. Photobiomodulation 1070 nm in normal ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. Journal citation forthcoming.