Phototherapy Can Be Used To Treat Parkinson's Disease
Phototherapy, also known as “light therapy” has been used for years now to treat various ailments including depression. Recently, this same therapy has been used to treat Parkinson’s disease, not just the depression of Parkinson’s patients but to help alleviate motor problems as well.
When light reaches a certain level of intensity, it inhibits melatonin which in turn limits the production of dopamine. By limiting the melatonin, in theory, you will have better production and use of dopamine in the brain. Recent case studies of light therapy on PD patients involving bright light therapy have had positive results with marked improvement in bradykinesia and rigidity in most patients while being exposed for only ninety minutes. After two weeks the study also showed increased mood, improved sleep, decreased seborrhea, reduced impotence and increased appetite. This change was so significant, some patients were able to have their medication reduced by 50% without the loss of efficiency.
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