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Red Light Therapy - A Promising New Treatment for PD
Bicknell B, Liebert A, Herkes G. Parkinson's Disease and Photobiomodulation: Potential for Treatment. J Pers Med. 2024 Jan 19;14(1):112. doi: 10.3390/jpm14010112. PMID: 38276234; PMCID: PMC10819946
Source: Parkinson Canada, “Shining a light on red light therapy for Parkinson’s: What the latest research shows” (Feb. 2026), summarizing Saltmarche et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025.

Red Light Therapy for Parkinson’s: What the Latest Research from Studies in Canada and France Show

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, directs red or near-infrared light at the head or body. Scientists think it may support mitochondria, the “power stations” inside cells, which could help brain health. Interest is growing quickly, but the research is still early.

New studies on red light therapy in Canada and France show promise for PD symptom management. A recent randomized clinical trial in Southwestern Ontario is the largest study to date. It included people with moderate Parkinson’s (Hoehn & Yahr stages 2 and 3) who were already exercising regularly, and they used either an active red light device or a placebo device. In the early phase, there was no significant difference between the two groups, and both improved slightly in mobility. In longer follow-up, people who chose to keep using the active device reported greater improvements in mobility, less anxiety and better motor function in daily life. No serious side effects were reported.
The study was small and short, so larger, longer trials are needed to confirm the benefits. Red light therapy is not yet part of standard Parkinson’s care, and devices vary widely in quality and cost, often from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Anyone considering it should talk with their neurologist first. At most it is an add-on to, not a replacement for, medication, exercise and support.
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PUBLISHED RESEARCH

 To ensure we are providing accurate and timely information, we only list articles on studies that are published in peer-reviewed periodicals and provide information to help you live well with PD.  To find additional papers and research CLICK HERE