Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Bright Light Therapy (BLT) in ameliorating symptoms and neuropathology in an α-synuclein preformed fibril (α-syn PFF) induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) mouse model.

Background: The α-syn PFF induced PD mouse model offers a superior simulation of α-syn pathology found in PD patients compared to traditional toxin models. Non-pharmacological treatments like BLT are crucial due to the significant side effects associated with PD drugs.

Method: Mice were injected with α-syn PFF into the striatum using stereotaxic surgery to induce PD. Subjects were then exposed to BLT at 3000-5000 lux for one hour daily over several months. Behavioral and neuropathological assessments were conducted at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months post-injection.

Results: Four months post-injection, α-syn pff mice developed motor deficits and anxiety-like symptoms. Mice treated with long-term BLT maintained motor function and did not exhibit significant anxiety-like symptoms for the six-month duration of the study. BLT reduced α-syn pathology in the substantia nigra and inhibited microglial activation, particularly in the cortex, indicating a suppression of neuroinflammation. Furthermore, BLT mitigated the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway.

Conclusion: BLT emerges as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for PD, offering symptom improvement and neuroinflammation reduction. This study underscores the potential of BLT in PD treatment and sets the stage for future clinical trials.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/bright-light-therapy-a-novel-non-pharmacological-approach-to-parkinsons-disease/