Dementia is a debilitating condition that can rob people of their memories, independence, and even their lives. While there is no cure for dementia, recent studies have shown that light therapy may be able to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of light therapy for dementia and how you or a loved one can get started.
What Is Dementia ?
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability due to disease or injury. Dementia affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. People with dementia may have trouble remembering things, solving problems, making decisions, and communicating. They may also experience changes in mood and personality.
Dementia is a serious condition that can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of dementia, it is important to seek medical help. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis and help manage the condition.
What Causes Dementia ?
Some common causes of dementia include: Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Lewy body disease is the second most common form of dementia, accounting for 10-20% of all cases.
Other less common causes of dementia include: traumatic brain injury, Huntington’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
Dementia can also be caused by a combination of factors, such as: aging, genetics, lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, lack of exercise), and health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension). In most cases, it is a combination of these factors that leads to the development of dementia.
As people age, they are at an increased risk for developing dementia. This is due in part to the fact that the brain naturally begins to shrink in size and lose some of its functionality as we age. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions that can contribute to the development of dementia.
There are also certain genetic and lifestyle factors that can increase one’s risk for developing dementia. For example, people with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Additionally, people who smoke cigarettes or live a sedentary lifestyle are also at an increased risk for developing dementia.
How To Treat Dementia ?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to treat dementia, as each case is unique and will require a personalized approach. However, there are some general tips that may be helpful in managing the condition.
One of the most important things you can do for someone with dementia is to provide them with a safe and supportive environment. This may include making sure their home is free from trip hazards, ensuring they have access to appropriate medical care and providing opportunities for socialization and stimulation.
It is also important to keep in mind that dementia can be a progressive condition, so it is important to plan for the future as well as the present. This may involve making legal and financial arrangements, such as setting up a Durable Power of Attorney or creating a living will.
If you are caring for someone with dementia, it is also important to take care of yourself. This can be a challenging and emotionally draining task, so make sure to find time for activities that help you relax and recharge. This might include spending time with friends and family, getting regular exercise, or pursuing a hobby.
According to some recent studies, many experts believe that light therapy can be a very good option for helping people with dementia. It is a new method that is considered by many doctors to be a great treatment option for such a condition.
Dementia can be a difficult condition to manage, but there are ways to make life easier for both the person with dementia and their caregivers. By taking a personalized approach and focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment, it is possible to make life with dementia more manageable.
What Is Light Therapy ?
Light therapy is a type of treatment that uses light to help with various medical conditions. It is also sometimes called phototherapy. Light therapy is most often used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema. It can also be used to treat other conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sleep disorders, and depression. Many specialists believe that it is a great option for people with dementia as well.
Light therapy works by exposing the person to light that is similar to natural sunlight. The light causes a chemical reaction in the body that can help to improve symptoms. Light therapy is typically done for a certain amount of time, or minutes each day. You can talk to a doctor before starting light therapy. There are no side effects for this therapy at all.
How Light Therapy Helps
One possible treatment for dementia is light therapy. Light therapy involves exposing the person to bright light, which can help improve mood and cognitive function. Many studies have found that light therapy was effective in improving symptoms of dementia, and it is a non-invasive, low-risk treatment option. If you are considering light therapy for a loved one with dementia, you can talk to a doctor for guidance, or get a light therapy device for yourself to try out at your home.
This 2021 study showed the near infrared light treatments for the brain improved cognitive functions while demonstrating an excellent safety profile and also had other health benefits. Many patients reported improved sleep after ~7 days of treatment. Caregivers noted that patients had less anxiety, improved mood, energy, and positive daily routine after ~14-21 days of treatment.
Light therapy can be extremely beneficial for people with dementia. As it involves exposure to light that is brighter than normal indoor light but not as bright as sunlight, it is extremely safe as well. Many research has shown that light therapy can help improve mood, sleep, and energy levels in people with dementia. It is thought to work by resetting the body’s internal clock and improving the function of neurotransmitters that are involved in mood regulation.
If you are considering light therapy for someone with dementia, be rest assured as it is safe and appropriate. If you are planning to get a light therapy device at home, you can get yours from Dermabeam. Light therapy can be done using a light box, light visor, or lighted cane. It is typically done for 30 minutes to an hour each day
Best Light Therapy Device for Dementia
If you are seeking a light therapy device for someone with dementia, it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for this purpose. There are many different types and brands of light therapy devices on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one will best meet the needs of your loved one. When choosing a light therapy device for dementia, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Ease of use: The device should be easy for the individual to use, with clear instructions.
- Brightness: The device should emit a bright light, as this can help to improve mood and energy levels.
- Safety: The device should be safe to use, with no risk of causing any side effects.
- Durability: The device should be durable, so that it can be used for a long time.
One brand that covers all these factors is Dermabeam. Dermabeam’s LED Light Therapy Devices are extremely effective for people of all ages, and you can buy them now to try them out at your home. Dermabeam devices use light therapy to improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of dementia in the best possible way. So, get yours today.
