Photobiomodulation for Parkinson’s Disease
Finally! I have been eagerly waiting to learn results of a 3 year Australian photobiomodulation for Parkinson’s disease study that examined the impact of light therapy (using Vielight.com devices – 10% coupon code healing4me – as a treatment for persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Results are now published.
Documented reductions in Parkinson’s symptoms far exceeded my expectations. Measures of mobility, cognition, dynamic balance and fine motor skill for the 12 Parkinson’s research subjects were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with photobiomodulation treatment for 12 weeks and up to one year.
Many individual improvements were above the minimal clinically important differences, the threshold judged to be meaningful for participants. Individual improvements varied but many continued for up to one year with sustained home treatment.
The design of this study was eloquent. Participants were assessed for mobility, fine motor skills, balance and cognition before treatment began, after 4 weeks of treatment, then after 12 weeks of treatment and then at the end of the home treatment period.
Researchers drew the following conclusions:
“PBM (photobiomodulation) was shown to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for a range of clinical signs and symptoms of PD. Improvements were maintained for as long as treatment continued, for up to one year in a neurodegenerative disease where decline is typically expected.”
The abstract of the study follows:
BMC Neurol. 2021 Jul 2;21(1):256. Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinson’s disease using photobiomodulation: a prospective proof-of-concept study.
Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure and few treatment options. Its incidence is increasing due to aging populations, longer disease duration and potentially as a COVID-19 sequela. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been successfully used in animal models to reduce the signs of PD and to protect dopaminergic neurons.
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of PBM to mitigate clinical signs of PD in a prospective proof-of-concept study, using a combination of transcranial and remote treatment, in order to inform on best practice for a larger randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT).
Methods: Twelve participants with idiopathic PD were recruited. Six were randomly chosen to begin 12 weeks of transcranial, intranasal, neck and abdominal PBM. The remaining 6 were waitlisted for 14 weeks before commencing the same treatment. After the 12-week treatment period, all participants were supplied with PBM devices to continue home treatment. Participants were assessed for mobility, fine motor skills, balance and cognition before treatment began, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 12 weeks of treatment and the end of the home treatment period. A Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to assess treatment effectiveness at a significance level of 5%.
Results: Measures of mobility, cognition, dynamic balance and fine motor skill were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with PBM treatment for 12 weeks and up to one year. Many individual improvements were above the minimal clinically important difference, the threshold judged to be meaningful for participants. Individual improvements varied but many continued for up to one year with sustained home treatment. There was a demonstrable Hawthorne Effect that was below the treatment effect. No side effects of the treatment were observed.
Conclusions: PBM was shown to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for a range of clinical signs and symptoms of PD. Improvements were maintained for as long as treatment continued, for up to one year in a neurodegenerative disease where decline is typically expected. Home treatment of PD by the person themselves or with the help of a carer might be an effective therapy option. The results of this study indicate that a large RCT is warranted.
The Future of Medicine has Arrived
Click on the link below to hear my interview on Parkinsons Recovery Radio with Dr. Lew Lim, CEO of Vielight photobiomodulation devices. This interview was conducted before publication of the photobiomodulation Parkinson’s study.
The future of medicine rests with innovative therapies that utilize light and sound to bring the body back into balance and harmony. Neurons are cells that contain mitochondria. Photobiomodulation energizes neuronal mitochondria, triggering a cascade of beneficial cellular functions. Potential benefits are:
- Neuroprotective effects.
- Self-repair mechanisms
- Enhanced functionality.
Results of this photobiomodulation Parkinson’s study affirm these expectations.
Vielight Warranty
Use any of the Vielight devices for up to six months. If you do not celebrate the relief in symptoms expected, you can return the device for an 80% refund. The company, located in Toronto Canada, obviously has confidence that users will be delighted with the result. Use coupon code healing4me to claim a 10% discount when ordering. https://www.vielight.com.
Call them to get your questions answered. Their staff are incredible.
1-877-355-8012 (Main line). Phone-in hours are from 9 am – 5 pm EST, Monday to Friday.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
Can you please tell me where my brother who is a 100% disabled Veteran. Get this Photbiomodulation therapy? Someplace in the westside of CA? Thank you very much
The Vielight photobiomodulation devices are for in home, daily use. You need to purchase the unit from Vielight and use it every day.
https://www.vielight.com If it does not offer symptom relief, you can return the unit within 6 months for an 80% refund, so the risk is minimal. You can also claim a 10% discount with coupon code healing4me.
Robert