Intranasal Photobiomodulation as a Potential Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a rapidly growing neurological disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Photobiomodulation (PBM) may modulate mitochondrial pathways. This randomized, controlled, single-blind pilot trial investigated intranasal and transpalatal PBM, individually or combined, in 48 individuals with idiopathic PD allocated to TP + IN (intranasal + transpalatal PBM), IN (intranasal PBM), TP (transpalatal PBM), or Sham. Participants underwent 24 sessions over 12 weeks using near-infrared light (808 nm, 100 mW, 60 J, or 120 J per point). Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T1), 1 week after the intervention (T2), and 1-month follow-up (T3) using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). Forty participants completed the study. IN significantly improved MoCA and MDS-UPDRS scores, with benefits persisting at follow-up. Sham showed a decline in MoCA. These findings suggest that intranasal PBM may be a promising adjunctive therapy for PD; further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols.