new alzheimers art What is low level laser therapy for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias?
Low level laser (light) therapy is an emerging technology that offers a noninvasive approach to prevent cognitive deterioration. This therapy, also known as photobiomodulation offers safe and potentially effective therapy for treatments of symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disease. A growing body of clinical studies show that cognitive function, stress, memory and sleep in dementia patients can improve with light therapy.
During the procedure, a number of infrared and near infrared wavelengths are applied at low points to penetrate the skull and directly aid the neurological tissue. Neurological disorders which can be beneficially affected by applying specific light wavelengths include stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s, as well as psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
It helps affected individuals because the infrared light therapy increases blood flow and a rise in the levels of adenosine triphosphate, which is markedly decreased in those with Alzheimer’s disease. The increaser in ATP “provides energy to drive processes in living cells and helps nerve cells repair” (researchers at Durham University).
Additionally, light therapy for affected individuals increases blood flow to the brain which improves the flexibility of the membrane that lines the inside of the blood vessels. In turn, this opens up blood vessels so that more oxygen can reach the white matter deep inside the brain and reduces the amount of amyloid plaque, often associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This can lead to a significant improvement in motor function, memory performance and delayed memory and brain processing speed.
The therapy is administered through the lymphatic system, directly to the scalp over a course of treatments at a clinic. The procedure is noninvasive, painless and aims to leave the patient feeling relaxed and with an improved sense of well-being. For the best benefits, treatments are done weekly for the first six weeks and then every two to three weeks, depending on the health or other issues of the individual. It is also recommended that the individual undergoing this type of therapy maintain a nutritional diet […]
Light therapy can improve memory, sleep and more in Alzheimer’s patients
