Alzheimer’s ‘could be reversed by shining LIGHT directly into the brain to sweep away toxic proteins and help patients regain their memory’
- Neuro RX Gamma headset beams light into area responsible for memory in brain
- Trial into effectiveness begun after initial results showed it reversed symptoms
- It’s thought to work by boosting cells that sweep away build-up of toxic proteins
Shining light directly into areas of the brain damaged in Alzheimer’s may reverse the the course of the disease, scientists believe.
Researchers are trialling a headset mounted with LEDs that beams pulses of gamma waves into the hippocampus, the region responsible for memory.
The daily treatment is said to boost mitochondria – the cell’s batteries, which sweep away toxic proteins that build up in the brains of patients.
A 12-week trial into its effectiveness has just begun after early results saw patients regain their memory, as well as reading and writing skills, in three months.
With no known Alzheimer’s cure in sight, the headset offers a ray of hope for around 850,000 sufferers in Britain and nearly six million in the US.
Researchers are trialling a new headset mounted with LEDs that beams pulses of gamma waves into the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for memory (shown)
The device, called the Neuro RX Gamma headset, was developed by Canadian biotech firm Vielight
Patients currently have to rely on drugs that lessen its symptoms.
The new Neuro RX Gamma headset being tested was developed by the Canadian biotech firm Vielight.
Treatment involves wearing the device, as well as a separate nasal clip that channels light through the nostrils, for 20 minutes a day.
The light is said to boost the mitochondria which give cells their energy, in a process called photobiomodulation.
This then stimulates the brain to activate immune cells known as microglia, which fight the disease.
In Alzheimer’s patients these cells can become inactive and plaques can build up, stopping the brain’s normal function.
Amyloid plaque is one of the hallmarks of the currently incurable disease, which is the most common form of dementia.
A sticky build-up of plaque is thought to lead to the progressive destruction of brain cells.
Neuro RX’s inventor Dr Lew Lim told The Telegraph: ‘Photobiomodulation introduces the therapeutic effect of light into our brain.
A 12-week trial into its effectiveness has just begun after initial results saw patients regain their memory, as well as reading and writing skills, in three months
Treatment involves wearing the headset, as well as a separate nasal clip that channels light through the nostrils, for 20 minutes a day
HOW IS THE HEADSET SAID TO TREAT ALZHEIMER’S?
Neuro RX Gamma headset sends 40 Hz gamma waves into the brain region responsible for memory, the hippocampus.
It does so through the skull and through the nostrils, using a separate nasal clip.
The light is said to boost the mitochondria which give cells their energy.
This stimulates the brain to activate immune cells known as microglia, which fight the disease.
In Alzheimer’s patients these cells can become inactive – and plaques can build up, stopping the brain’s normal function.
Amyloid plaque is one of the hallmarks of the currently incurable disease, which causes dementia.
A sticky build-up of plaque is thought to lead to the progressive destruction of brain cells – and dementia.
‘It triggers the body to restore its natural balance or homeostasis. When we do that, we call upon the body’s innate ability to heal.
‘Based on early data, we are confident of seeing some measure of recovery in the symptoms not just a slowdown in the rate of decline, even in moderate to severe cases.’
The new trial is being led by the University of Toronto and involves 228 people across eight sites in the US and Canada.
Half of the volunteers will receive the light therapy six days a week for 20 minutes for a total of 12 weeks. The rest will receive a placebo.
A safety trial last year involving five people with mild to moderately severe dementia saw all of their conditions improve.
They reported improved cognitive function, better sleep, fewer angry outbursts, less anxiety and wandering – all common side effects of the treatment. They also reported better memory.
Brain scans also revealed visible improvements in connectivity between brain regions and better blood flow, according to The Telegraph.
Once the therapy was stopped, the patients began to once again decline. Light therapy is already used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern – and traumatic brain injuries.
It is thought to trigger the release of serotonin – the happy hormone, promote better sleep, and stimulate areas of the brain that have shut down after damage.
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