In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, researchers write that “this is the first report of a potential treatment modality to mitigate symptoms of Possible CTE.” The study is a case-series report of four former football players (3 professionals) who met the NIH criteria for Possible CTE and were treated with transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a specific kind of light therapy.

Researchers are finalizing their recent pilot study on photobiomodulation conducted by The University of Utah. In this video produced by the research team, several of the men who participated in the study talk about their deteriorating health due to repetitive head hits and concussions, their concerns about CTE, and how light therapy during the clinical trial substantially improved their health.

This article is a brief history on the research into light therapy (photobiomodulation) using LED light devices as a potential treatment for mTBI, persistent post-concussion symptoms, and possible CTE.

A leading researcher has presented two case studies with retired professional football players who had suffered repetitive head impacts and had possible CTE based on their medical history. The case studies showed that the LED and red light therapy had significant positive effects, confirmed with clinical tests, and fMRI brain scans.