Could a simple helmet prevent CTE?

Red light therapy may protect athletes’ brains from CTE.

Emerging research suggests red light therapy may protect athletes and military personnel from long-term brain damage caused by repeated head impacts. Non-invasive, innovative, and promising—this could change the way we think about brain health.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head injuries, often affecting athletes in contact sports like football and boxing, as well as military personnel exposed to blasts. Symptoms range from memory loss, confusion, and emotional instability to severe motor impairments in later stages.

Recent research points to a surprising ally in the fight against CTE: red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation. Already popular in the U.S. for skin rejuvenation, pain relief, and tissue healing, this therapy may also reduce the brain inflammation that drives long-term damage from repeated head impacts.