Low Level Laser Therapy, also known clinically as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) is a safe and potentially effective therapy for the treatment of symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disease. A number of key Infrared and Near Infrared wavelengths are applied at low power to penetrate the skull and directly aid damaged neurological tissue. A growing body of clinical studies, along with the positive results we see in our clinic, show that cognitive function, stress, memory and sleep in dementia patients can improve with Laser Therapy for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
The brain may suffer from three types of disorder, all of which can be beneficially affected by applying specific light wavelengths in the Infrared and Near Infrared range:
- Stroke, traumatic brain injury and global ischemia.
- Degenerative disease such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and
- Psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The primary mechanism of Photobiomodulation Therapy is to promote energy absorption within the mitochondria and to retire the work of almost all systems that regulate and maintain homeostasis within the immune, nervous, circulatory and hormonal systems. Therefore, at a systemic level, Low Level Laser Therapy can used to improve memory and brain processing for Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.
How does Laser Therapy for Dementia work?
Clinical research has shown that infrared light therapy has the potential to help people with dementia because of an increased blood flow and a rise in the levels of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which is markedly decreased in Alzheimer’s patients. The increaser in ATP “provides energy to drive processes in living cells and helps nerve cells repair”. (Durham University).
Laser Therapy for Dementia increases levels of nitric oxide, and therefore, blood flow to the brain, which improves the flexibility of the membrane that lines the inside of blood vessels. This opens up blood vessels so that more oxygen can reach the white matter deep inside the brain and reduce the amount of amyloid plaque, which is often associated with dementia. This can lead to a significant improvement in motor function, memory performance, delayed memory and brain processing speed.
Furthermore, if the brain is deprived of oxygen it suffers from synaptic dysfunction and degeneration / loss of neutrons, leading to grey and white matter atrophy, cognitive dysfunction and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Consequently, eliminating inflammation is the main goal of the therapeutic effect for the restoration of reduced cerebral blood flow and hypo metabolism.
Recommended Treatment Plan
We apply Low Level Laser through the lymphatic system and directly to the scalp over a course of treatments in the clinic. The procedure is non-invasive, painless and aims to leave the patient feeling relaxed, with an improved sense of wellbeing.
Treatments are best carried out weekly for the first 6 weeks, and then every 2-3 weeks depending on the health of the individual person.
Please refer to our payment terms for fee details.
We support our Laser Therapy for Dementia protocol by making recommendations for diet, particularly the daily consumption of green salad, which has also shown to be effective in managing symptoms associated with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Clinical Research
Please refer to the following research article for more information.
Also read our services for:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Stroke Recovery
Parkinson’s Disease