Key Takeaways:
- Light therapy for Alzheimer’s and dementia has been found to be effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
- It can be difficult for a person with dementia to sit still and enjoy the full benefits of light therapy, but it can easily be solved with the proper device.
- There are various advancements, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, used to treat Alzheimer’s and dementia, including light therapy.
Table of Contents
- What is Light Therapy?
- Current Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
- Pharmacological Treatments
- Non-Pharmacological Treatments
- Treating Alzheimer’s with Light Therapy
- Regulation of Circadian Rhythms
- Reduction of Amyloid Plaque Buildup
- Improvement of Mood and Behavior
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best way of treating Alzheimer’s using light therapy?
- Is sunlight good for dementia?
What is Light Therapy?
Among the promising non-pharmacological interventions is light therapy, which has gained attention for its potential benefits to cognitive function and quality of life.
Also known as phototherapy, this approach involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light to treat various medical and psychological treatments. It is commonly used to address mood disorders, skin conditions, sleeping problems, and other health issues, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
This blog answers, “What benefit does bright light therapy provide to a person with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?” Let’s uncover the science behind bright light therapy and its impact on the lives of those affected by these conditions.
Learn more about light therapy in our blog.
Current Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
Many behavioral and psychological symptoms, particularly Alzheimer’s and dementia, are treated with antipsychotic or sedating medications. It should be noted that current treatments can only manage symptoms and slow their progression—there is no cure yet for these conditions.
While they may address these concerns, it has been shown to increase the risk of falls, pneumonia, and even death. In turn, many individuals seek a safer alternative to treating their condition.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia treatments can be categorized into pharmacological (medications) and non-pharmacological (therapies and lifestyle interventions) approaches.
Pharmacological Treatments
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Several drugs, such as Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine, inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning. This results in an increased level of acetylcholine in the brain.
NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Memantine regulates the activity of glutamate, another neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. It blocks NMDA receptors to prevent overexcitement of neurons.
Combination Therapy
This therapy combines the actions of cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists to enhance treatment efficacy. It is primarily done to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Aducanumab (Aduhelm)
This monoclonal antibody targets amyloid-beta plaques in the brain to reduce their accumulation. It is approved to treat early Alzheimer’s disease, but its efficacy and approval have been controversial.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
People with mild to moderate dementia can undergo CST. It involves structured group activities designed to improve cognitive function and social interaction.
Behavioral Therapy
This therapy involves using techniques to manage challenging behaviors such as aggression, agitation, and depression through behavioral interventions and environmental modifications.
Diet and Nutrition
Nutritional interventions can help address the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, or MIND diet, targets the aging brain’s health. It was developed to identify food, nutrients, and daily serving sizes that protect against dementia and cognitive decline.
Social Engagement and Activities
Patients are encouraged to participate in social and recreational activities to improve their mood, reduce feelings of isolation, and support cognitive function. Simple everyday activities like going out, riding a bus, or visiting the mall can keep them engaged. Instead of sleeping, they have the opportunity to participate in life, which can make all the difference in someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Treating Alzheimer’s with Light Therapy
Light therapy for Alzheimer’s and dementia has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment. Here are some key aspects of how it can benefit individuals with these conditions:
Regulation of Circadian Rhythms
Circadian rhythms help regulate our body’s sleep-wake patterns, hormone release, and other physiological processes. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are conditions that often disrupt our internal body clock, leading to sleep disturbances, mood swings, and increased cognitive decline.
Reduction of Amyloid Plaque Buildup
The beta-amyloid protein involved in Alzheimer’s disease is toxic and formed from the breakdown of a larger protein called the amyloid precursor. Abnormal levels of this naturally occurring protein clump together, forming plaques that disrupt cell function, ultimately contributing to cognitive decline.
Improvement of Mood and Behavior
Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia are depression and anxiety. Light therapy for dementia, particularly bright light therapy, has been widely used to treat these mood disorders. After all, this approach simulates natural sunlight to alleviate symptoms. Dementia patients can experience reduced agitation, improved mood, and enhanced overall quality of life.
Learn more about the different types of light therapy here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way of treating Alzheimer’s using light therapy?
Bright light therapy can address sleep disturbances by regulating the circadian rhythm. In a bright light therapy session, the individual sits in front of a light box for a set amount of time each day, usually around 20 to 30 minutes. This device produces 30 times more light than the average office light.
As a general guideline, the light should be brighter than what is typically found at home. It should also be delivered so that the individual receives the light, no matter which way they look. After all, a person with dementia may not be able to sit long enough for the light to reach their eyes consistently.
For patients with Alzheimer’s, it’s best to have a passive approach by illuminating the entire space where they spend most of their time. For instance, they can sit outside in the sunlight or bring natural light into a room. Alternatively, light boxes can be placed close to where the person frequents. Doing so guarantees the light reaches the individual’s back of the eye.
Is sunlight good for dementia?
Getting enough sleep every day can benefit individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. However, many of those who have this condition have difficulty sleeping at night, particularly frequently waking up, wandering, and experiencing agitation after the sun sets. They can also experience sundowning or a state of confusion that occurs late in the afternoon and lasts into the night.
Studies have shown that exposure to bright morning sunlight can help resynchronize the sleep cycle and improve depression, anxiety, and other behaviors. There is also a link between the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and low levels of vitamin D, which can contribute to memory problems. After all, low light is one of the many triggers of sundowning in people with the condition, causing confusion and disorientation to those visually challenged.
Light therapy for dementia, which often includes exposure to natural sunlight, can help individuals manage their out-of-sync circadian rhythms by being outside when the sun is at its brightest. It results in improved functioning, more alertness, lowers fall risk, and helps reset their internal body clock.
Conclusion
As research continues to shed light on innovative treatments, light therapy offers a promising avenue for improving the quality of life and cognitive function of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
CTA: Try light therapy for Alzheimer’s and dementia with a light box from Alaska Northern Lights.