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Nasal Red Light Therapy Eases Parkinson's Symptoms in Small Pilot Trial

A 12-week pilot trial found nasal red light sessions were linked to better memory and movement scores in adults with Parkinson's disease.

By Dr. Josh Axe · November 15, 2026 · 1 source · Watch

At a glance

What they found: Nasal red light treatment improved memory and movement scores in Parkinson's patients, with gains still present a month later.
Who was studied: 48 adults with Parkinson's disease split into four groups, 40 finished the 12-week program of 24 light sessions.
What it doesn't show: Whether it holds up in a larger group.

A small pilot trial published November 13, 2026 in Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery found that delivering near-infrared light through the nose improved memory and movement scores in adults with Parkinson's disease, with benefits still present a month after treatment ended.

48adults, 12 weeks

24light sessions

808nm near-infrared light

Researchers randomized 48 adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease into four groups: intranasal light alone, transpalatal (roof-of-mouth) light alone, both combined, or a sham treatment. Over 12 weeks, participants underwent 24 sessions using near-infrared light at 808 nanometers, delivered at 100 milliwatts and either 60 or 120 joules per treatment point. Forty participants completed the study. Scores were measured before treatment, one week after, and again at one month using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (a test of memory and thinking) and the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (a measure of motor and non-motor symptoms). The group receiving intranasal light showed improved scores on both measures, with those gains still present at the one-month follow-up. The sham group's memory scores declined over the same period.

The authors describe Parkinson's disease as involving mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, the cellular energy and damage processes thought to drive the condition. Photobiomodulation, a form of light therapy sometimes called red light therapy, is thought to work by stimulating mitochondria inside cells, which the authors state may be modulated by this light exposure. Delivering the light intranasally may put it closer to brain regions affected by the disease.

24sessions over 12 weeks

Number of intranasal/transpalatal photobiomodulation sessions received by participants with idiopathic Parkinson's disease in the pilot trial

Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 2026

This was a small pilot with 48 people enrolled and 40 completing it, run at a single site with single-blind design, so neither the treating team's full blinding nor a larger population has been tested. The record does not specify exact MoCA or MDS-UPDRS point changes, sex breakdown, or average age. Larger, longer trials are needed to confirm the effect, clarify the underlying mechanism, and refine the light dose and session schedule.

Dr. Axe’s Take

Light reaching the brain through the nose and working on the mitochondria that power brain cells is a compelling idea, and this pilot gives it real early support: the group getting nasal light held onto cognitive and movement gains a month out while the sham group's memory scores slipped. I'd watch for larger trials to replicate this before calling it established care. For anyone managing Parkinson's today, I'd focus on what's already proven to support mitochondrial health: regular movement, a diet built around colorful vegetables and fish, and consistent sleep. Keep taking any prescribed Parkinson's medication exactly as directed and work with your neurologist before adding any light therapy device.

— Dr. Axe

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Study summary

Who: 48 adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease; 40 completed the study.
Design: Randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind pilot trial with four groups: intranasal light, transpalatal light, both combined, or sham.
Dose: 808 nm near-infrared light, 100 mW, 60 or 120 joules per point, 24 sessions over 12 weeks.
Primary result: Intranasal light group showed improved MoCA and MDS-UPDRS scores versus baseline; gains persisted at 1-month follow-up.
Secondary: Sham group's MoCA scores declined over the same period; exact point changes not reported.
Funding / conflicts: Funding and conflicts not reported in the abstract.
Date: Nov 13, 2026