In United States, it is estimated that nearly 1 million people are affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). Worldwide, this number is as high as 6 million.
Dopamine is an important chemical that human brains produce to coordinate movement. When function is impaired or stops working, it causes Parkinson’s disease. What happens inside the brain is certain neurons gradually break down or die.
PD typically causes tremors, slowness, stiffness, and walking and balance problems. It might also cause depression, constipation, memory problems, and other non-movement symptoms. The experience over the course of a lifetime can vary from person to person. Unfortunately, like dementia caused by neuro-degeneration, PD is progressive and irreversible.
Although PD cannot be cured, things can be done to significantly decrease the symptoms. Usually suggested by doctors are either medication or Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). DBS involves placing thin metal wires in the brain that send electrical pulses to help control some motor symptoms. However, how DBS works is not yet completely understood and confirmed. It mainly interrupts the irregular signaling patterns in neuron communication in order to lessen the symptoms.
Scientists currently are exploring ways to place cells that make dopamine into the brain, which tackles the problem at the root rather than just easing the symptoms. Some researchers have started exploring the effectiveness of treating PD using Photo-Bio-Modulation. Knowing that Photo-Bio-Modulation enhances ATP production to provide the energy for many types of chemical reactions at the cellular level, it surely makes sense to speculate that it could increase the dopamine production and delay brain deterioration.
Again, safe and non-invasive light treatment is very promising in helping people with PD.
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.