Can light help treat Parkinson’s symptoms?
Light therapy as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s hits the headlines. We take a deeper look at what we know about it so far.
Laser light therapy is already used as a complementary therapy to treat pain, reduce inflammation and increase tissue repair. And it shows promise as a non-invasive and non-drug-based treatment for Parkinson's symptoms, which could be given at home without the need for any specialist training.
How does it work?
It uses specific wavelengths of light that can harmlessly penetrate the skin and tissues. Light therapy primarily focuses on treatment via the gut or abdomen. There's ongoing research into a potential link between the gut and the brain, especially when it comes to the start and progression of Parkinson’s. Whilst the link hasn’t been fully proven yet, we do know that some people report digestive problems or constipation many years before a Parkinson's diagnosis.
It's thought that light therapy to the gut could decrease inflammation, allowing it to function more normally. The small-scale clinical trials currently being reported indicate light therapy could improve mitochondrial function, the power stations of your cells, improving energy levels and decreasing fatigue. Treatment was also associated with reduced pain in people with Parkinson’s using the device.
The expert view
Professor David Dexter, Associate Director of Research at Parkinson's UK, said:
"Using light therapy for Parkinson’s is not a new idea but certainly an interesting one. Over 20 years ago, researchers were able to show how abdominal light therapy improved gait and balance, and reduced tremor, using mouse models of Parkinson’s. What we’re starting to see now is the results of trials in people with Parkinson’s.
"These early, small-scale trials are showing promise, suggesting that the benefits of a short course of treatment could last for a long time and improve both motor and non-motor symptoms like tremor, mobility and sleep. It’s promising, but more research is needed to be done to really understand the potential of light therapy for Parkinson’s.
"We eagerly await the results of the larger scale, placebo-controlled trials which are ongoing, to see if this could bring real benefit and results to the 145,000 people currently living with Parkinson's in the UK."
Complementary therapies for Parkinson's
Although there's little scientific evidence that complementary therapies can slow, stop or reverse the development of Parkinson’s, many people with the condition have had positive experiences. And there are lots of different types available.
Take part in research
From filling out questionnaires to trialling new treatments, there are lots of ways you can make a difference by taking part in Parkinson's research.