The effect of transcranial photobiomodulation on cognitive function and attentional performance of older women with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial
Shahab Papi, Hamid Allahverdipour, Ali Jahan, Imán Dianat, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi, Maryam Moghaddam Salimi
Abstract
Introduction: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a progressive age-related condition caused by physiological and structural changes in the brain, such as neurodegeneration and hypometabolism. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a neuromodulation technique that improves brain metabolism and oxygenation by irradiating red to near-infrared light on a specific area of the head. This study aimed to investigate the effect of multi-session tPBM on the cognitive capacities and attentional function of older women with MCI. Material and methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 42 older women with MCI were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups: real and sham. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the attentional Go/No-Go task were used to examine the patients. On the right frontal-pole of the cortex, 5 sessions of 850 nm tPBM were given. Re-examinations were conducted on the participants. For the Go/No-Go task, the reaction time to the target (RTT), the percentage of correct trials (PCT), and the efficiency score (ES) were measured. Results: = 6.3). Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, tPBM had a positive effect on older people's attention and cognitive abilities.