Interestingly they were shining the bright light on the abdomens of the mice- I had read that bright light entering the retina was beneficial
"In Parkinson's disease, "bright light" therapy, which stimulates the retina through exposure to intense light, can be beneficial by helping to regulate the circadian rhythm, potentially improving sleep quality, daytime alertness, and even motor symptoms in some patients, as the retina plays a key role in sending signals to the brain that influence the body's internal clock"
"bright light therapy (BLT) can potentially help people with Parkinson's disease, primarily by improving sleep disturbances which are a common non-motor symptom of the condition; studies suggest it may also have positive effects on mood and even some motor functions, although further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy in Parkinson's disease.
Key points about bright light therapy and Parkinson's:
Sleep improvement:
The most established benefit of BLT for Parkinson's patients is its ability to regulate circadian rhythms, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness.
Potential impact on motor symptoms:
Some research indicates that BLT may also have a positive effect on motor symptoms like tremor, although more studies are needed to confirm this.
Mechanism of action:
Light exposure influences the body's internal clock by stimulating the retina's melanopsin cells, which can help regulate dopamine production, a neurotransmitter significantly impacted in Parkinson's disease. "
parkinsons.org.uk/news/can-...
"The expert view
Professor David Dexter, Associate Director of Research at Parkinson's UK, said:
"Using light therapy for Parkinson’s is not a new idea but certainly an interesting one. Over 20 years ago, researchers were able to show how abdominal light therapy improved gait and balance, and reduced tremor, using mouse models of Parkinson’s. What we’re starting to see now is the results of trials in people with Parkinson’s.
"These early, small-scale trials are showing promise, suggesting that the benefits of a short course of treatment could last for a long time and improve both motor and non-motor symptoms like tremor, mobility and sleep. It’s promising, but more research is needed to be done to really understand the potential of light therapy for Parkinson’s.
"We eagerly await the results of the larger scale, placebo-controlled trials which are ongoing, to see if this could bring real benefit and results to the 145,000 people currently living with Parkinson's in the UK."
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Trial: Randomized controlled 2007
Light parameters: 7500 Lux vs 950 Lux for 30 min, one hour after awakening
# of patients: 36
Results: Bright light led to significant improvement of tremor, United Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) I, II, and IV, and depression as compared to control light therapy. Daytime sleepiness improved in both groups.
Author: Paus, et al
Reference: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/175...
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Bright light therapy (BLT) restores circadian rhythmicity effectively in mood- and sleep-disturbed patients without PD. The few studies that focused on the efficacy of BLT in patients with PD demonstrated a positive effect of BLT not only on sleep and mood but also on motor function. More research on the neurobiology and efficacy of BLT in PD is warranted.
Patient enrollment begins in study of novel light therapy for Parkinson’s disease
Next NoSilverBullet Zoom webinar on 13th of November: Interview of Dr Wayne Markman, CEO of Symbyx, on "Light therapy for Parkinson's".
