Secrets to Light Therapy for Alzheimer’s

By James Backer

Sometimes simple and natural therapies work best. A good example for a simple therapy is light therapy for Alzheimer's.

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease is the most common disorder in elderly Americans. Over 5 MILLION Americans suffer from Alzheimer's 13% under age 65 and 87% older than 65. Scientists do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease but age is one of the most important risk factors for it.

Unfortunately, no treatment is yet available to stop the Alzheimer's disease, however there are a few medicines that you can help control behavioral symptoms and light therapy that can help Alzheimer's patients.

What is Light Therapy

Light therapy can treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other conditions that occur with direct exposure to artificial light.

During light therapy, you are exposed to a direct light that simulates natural sun light through a device called a 'light therapy box' or a wake-up alarm clock. Light therapy affects brain chemicals linked to sleep and mood and can ease SAD and other symptoms such as sleep disorders and other conditions.

A typical 'Light Box'

Light Therapy May be a New Treatment for Alzheimer's

During 2016 a MIT research found out that gamma waves in mice brains with Alzheimer's disease can be corrected using LED light flickering at a specific frequency.

This is still being researched but it might show us that light therapy could help Alzheimer's patients. A light box has many benefits that can help anyone with two main 'light box' devices:

1. Light box
2. Sunrise wake up alarm clock

Both are similar but have a different function. A light box simulates direct sunlight while a wake-up alarm clock helps you wake up more calm and energetic by simulating a sunrise in your bed room.

How It Works

Light therapy is administered using a fluorescent light that mimics natural outdoor light. It has a minimum of 2,500 lux so it can simulate natural light. Light therapy can mimic a sun's natural light and works best in the morning.

There are many benefits to light therapy:

1. Can treat depression and fatigue by giving patients various amounts of light that can affect the brain and help depression, especially during winter time when there is less natural light.
2. It can be done at home, with special light boxes.
3. Increases energy levels and blood flow/circulation.
4. Restores and repairs damaged soft connective tissue
5. A person can sleep and wake up feeling happy and fulfilled
   
6. A wake-up alarm clock can give you a peaceful wake-up experience.

Conclusions

Light therapy has many advantages and benefits that can help reduce Alzheimer's disease symptoms and other negative symptoms, unfortunately it can't heal Alzheimer's but it can definitely help.