Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder accompanied by progressive death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which gives rise to tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Despite enormous developments in treatment, to date, there is no cure, and existing treatments help only in mitigating the symptoms without doing much as far as preventing disease progression is concerned. Faced with this challenging situation, researchers are relentlessly pursuing innovative treatments, among them red light therapy (RLT). This is a non-invasive treatment that employs red light and near-infrared and has shown potential in slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Why RLT for Parkinson's Disease?
RLT is a low-level and near-infrared light therapy being studied for Parkinson's disease due to its potential neuroprotective effects. Preclinical studies have suggested that RLT can promote cellular repair and regeneration, which might help protect the vulnerable neurons affected by Parkinson's disease. The capacity of RLT to penetrate tissues and modulate cellular functions, thereby providing neuroprotection, has captured the interest of researchers. The potential benefits of RLT are grounded in several mechanisms:
Enhancing Mitochondrial Function
Red light therapy travels through the skin, the tissue, and into the brain, where it might also activate mitochondrial activity. Activating mitochondrial function enhances the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's primary energy molecule. Enhanced generation of ATP by RLT will improve cellular energy levels, which play a critical role in neuronal survival and functioning. Heightened mitochondrial activity can also reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and consequently lessen oxidative stress, thereby offering neuroprotection.
Reducing Neuroinflammation
Of the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease, neuroinflammation alone seems to directly induce its progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Although red light therapy has been demonstrated to modulate microglial and astrocyte activity, its capability to attenuate inflammatory responses in these cells could contribute to its neuronal protective effects against the detrimental consequences of chronic inflammation.
RLT Application on Parkinson's Patients
Administering red light therapy to Parkinson's patients necessitates the development of detailed treatment protocols outlining the frequency, duration, and specific light parameters for each session. Although this research is still in its early stages, these are general guidelines based on existing studies:
Treatment Protocols
Standard red light therapy involves exposure to red or near-infrared light with a wavelength of 630 to 1000 nanometers. Light would, in turn, be transmitted by devices such as light-emitting panels or even specialized brain helmets. Treatments vary, but typically, the session would last from 10-30 minutes and can be done several times a week.
Frequency and Duration
Clinical research has not yet established the optimal frequency and duration of red light therapy sessions that may prove effective against Parkinson's. However, preliminary studies have suggested that one needs to have repeated sessions over a prolonged period for significant benefits. Adjustments should be tailored based on individual patient responses and the latest research insights, but it is recommended to start off with frequent sessions daily or every other day.
Current State of Research
Recent studies have showcased improvements in mitochondrial functionality and reductions in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation through red light therapy in animal models of Parkinson's disease. Preliminary clinical trials reported on the improvement of motor function and quality of life in RLT conducted on Parkinson's patients. While these results seem to be encouraging, there is definitely much scope for further research.
Considerations for Patients and Caregivers
Patients and carers must weigh multiple considerations when using red light therapy for someone with Parkinson's. First and foremost, it is absolutely essential to evaluate the overall condition of the patient, the stage of Parkinson's disease, and possible comorbidities that could influence the outcomes of treatment. This requires a clear articulation to patients regarding RLT's potential advantages and limitations, alongside establishing realistic expectations.
Some risks to be taken into consideration are minor related skin irritation, potential eye damage from misused devices, and limited long-term safety data. Moreover, RLT cannot be deployed as a standalone treatment but rather as an adjunct to existing therapeutic modalities.
Conclusion
Red light therapy gives a glimmer of hope for finding treatments to decelerate Parkinson's disease progression. The promising potential of enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing neuroinflammation makes RLT a very exciting new avenue to be explored. More rigorous clinical trials are imperative to substantiate the efficacy and safety of red light therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease.
References
[1] Glass GE. Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy. Aesthet Surg J. 2021 May 18;41(6):723-738. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjab025. Erratum in: Aesthet Surg J. 2022 Apr 12;42(5):566. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjab396. PMID: 33471046.
[2] Salehpour F, Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation for Parkinson's Disease in Animal Models: A Systematic Review. Biomolecules. 2020 Apr 15;10(4):610. doi: 10.3390/biom10040610. PMID: 32326425; PMCID: PMC7225948.
[3] Liebert A, Bicknell B, Laakso EL, Heller G, Jalilitabaei P, Tilley S, Mitrofanis J, Kiat H. Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinson's disease using photobiomodulation: a prospective proof-of-concept study. BMC Neurol. 2021 Jul 2;21(1):256. doi: 10.1186/s12883-021-02248-y. PMID: 34215216; PMCID: PMC8249215.
[4] Hamilton CL, El Khoury H, Hamilton D, Nicklason F, Mitrofanis J. "Buckets": Early Observations on the Use of Red and Infrared Light Helmets in Parkinson's Disease Patients. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019 Oct;37(10):615-622. doi: 10.1089/photob.2019.4663. Epub 2019 Sep 19. PMID: 31536464.
[5] Fifel K, Videnovic A. Light Therapy in Parkinson's Disease: Towards Mechanism-Based Protocols. Trends Neurosci. 2018 May;41(5):252-254. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2018.03.002. Epub 2018 Mar 24. PMID: 29588060; PMCID: PMC5924622.
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