A review of studies involving nearly 600 Alzheimer’s patients found that using light to stimulate key parts of the brain can improve sleep and improve psychobehavioral symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients. .
A research team from China’s Weifang Medical University suggests that this may be a viable non-drug treatment option, based on the minimal side effects observed.
The team conducted a meta-analysis of 15 trials testing how light therapy works. photobioregulation (PBM), which influences symptoms of cognitive decline.
PBM uses light to stimulate. suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a region of the brain involved in the regulation of sleep and also associated with aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.This treatment has shown promise in: alleviate some of the disease Symptoms include apathy, depression, agitation, and aggression.
The researchers note in their paper that although Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects cognitive function, people with Alzheimer’s disease also frequently experience sleep disturbances and psychobehavioral symptoms.
These can include “apathy and depressive behavior, as well as agitated behavior characterized by excessive motor activity and verbal and/or physical aggression,” the researchers said. write.
“Sleep disturbances are common in Alzheimer’s disease, with 70% of patients experiencing sleep disturbances in the early stages.”
9 out of 10 people Patients with Alzheimer’s disease experience one or more of these psychobehavioral symptoms.
Researchers found that people with Alzheimer’s disease often spend less time outdoors and have less light exposure, and that neurological damage, reduced social interaction, and age-related eye problems can reduce light sensitivity. It is pointed out that there is a possibility that Reduced light exposure can wreak havoc on your body’s circadian rhythms.
Light therapy basically involves exposing the patient to bright light that mimics the illumination of the sun. With brightness up to 10,000 lux Approximately 30 minutes. Retinal receptors convey light information to the SCN in the hypothalamus, and the SCN regulates our information. circadian rhythm – A natural 24 hour “clock”.
light therapy has been carried out used to treat depressionespecially for people with the following symptoms: seasonal affective disorder.
During phototherapy for Alzheimer’s disease is attracting attentionthe authors state that comprehensive research on its efficacy and safety is still lacking.
Their analysis included 15 randomized controlled trials of phototherapy for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia conducted in seven countries between 2005 and 2022. Most of the 598 patients, aged 60 to 85 years, had mild to moderate dementia.
“Overall, the results revealed that light therapy helped reduce sleep efficiency, sleep quality, depressive mood, caregiver burden, and agitated behavior,” the research team said. write.
However, the phototherapy intervention in this study included a variety of techniques using a wide range of wavelengths and timing.
The researchers also highlighted that the studies included in the meta-analysis had small sample sizes and were inconsistent in patient population, dementia type, and severity. The randomization of some included studies was also unclear, suggesting potential bias.
“Current drug treatments can only alleviate the clinical symptoms to some extent, but cannot stop or reverse the pathological process,” the authors state. write.
“Additionally, Alzheimer’s medications have side effects such as diarrhea, muscle spasms, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia, which significantly reduce patient compliance with these medications.”
Therefore, while it is important to find other ways to treat the symptoms, the harmful consequences of exposure to bright light may not yet be known.
The study highlights the use of phototherapy as a possible treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, and the researchers conclude that larger trials should be conducted to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
This study Pro Swan.
