The Helmet Study – Red light and Parkinson’s Disease in animal models

Johnstone et al, 2014, Indirect application of near infrared light induces neuroprotection in a mouse model of Parkinsonism - an abscopal neuroprotective effect.

This is called the 'helmet' study, and is a beautifully constructed investigation into the indirect effect of near infrared light. Mice with induced Parkinson's Disease had near infrared light shone either on their body only or their head only. The mice who only had light shone on their bodies had significant improvement Parkinson's symptoms. This study by members of the Mitofanis/Benabid teams gave support to the notion that trans-cranial near infrared lights could improve Parkinson's symptoms, even though we know that the near infrared light would not directly reach the damaged cells. Click here.