In short, these are actually lamps that mimic the sunlight. This therapy has other names such as Happy Light Therapy, Light Box Therapy, etc.
So before we move further in the article, let’s be clear about one thing!!
We all need sunlight to live a healthy life. Our exposure to sunlight aids the production of various vitamins and minerals, including melatonin and serotonin, which directly affects our energy levels and emotions.
Areas where there are fewer sunlight exposures that is where Bright Light Therapy comes in handy. As many people are deprived of sunlight, so this Bright Light Therapy acts as artificial sunlight.
Thus substituting the essential elements of the natural sunlight like melatonin and serotonin.
But now comes the million-dollar question!!! Does light therapy help patients with dementia?
The answer is “yes.”
Read through the whole article to know all the ins and outs of how light therapy is connected to dementia.
The Bond Between Light Therapy And The Brain
The scientists of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in Cambridge found out that shining a flickering light into the eyes could reduce the toxic buildup of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain with Alzheimer’s disease.
Light therapy acts like magic for dementia patients. This therapy boosts a form of brain wave called gamma oscillation, which scientists state is connected in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Do you know the fun part?
Light therapy combined with sound therapy can be one of the best remedies for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients.
Light therapy can also improve cognition!!!
Shocked?
But that’s how it is. Light therapy can improve your memory. Researchers found that it boosts up the memory cells in the brain, which helps to improve your memory.
Light therapy boosts gamma vibrations, which improves the connection between the nerve cells, reduces inflammation, and preserves against cell death of Alzheimer’s.
Dementia And Its Toxic Elements.
Dementia is a brain disease that results in memory loss. Sometimes, this can be for a short time, but it can be for a very long time in ugly cases. Alzheimer’s Disease is a condition that is caused.
In 2018, it was reported that around 50 million people had dementia. And it’s still growing at an increasing rate.
In Alzheimer’s Disease, the main issue that people face is, the brain begins to change a long time before they experience symptoms of dementia.
These symptoms include difficulties with thinking and also remembering simple things.
The two significant changes that take place in the brain are:
a) Toxic deposits of beta-amyloid protein between the nerve cells
b) The formation of toxic curls of tau protein.
Scientists have also stated that gamma oscillations are the brain waves that are essential for the brain, primarily for it to function appropriately for memory and attention.
Additionally, sound tone therapy with the same frequency enhanced the plague reducing effect of the light therapy. So undoubtedly, light therapy plays a vital role in curing dementia.
Frequent Thought Blocks
I am sure that you must have forgotten some details when you are speaking on the phone or talking with a person.
Let me be more precise!!
Have you ever noticed that when you are speaking about a particular topic and within an instant, you forgot what you were talking about or what you are going to say next?
This is called “thought blocking.” And it can actually happen to anyone at any time!! And it’s not something you should not be afraid of as it’s just temporary.
Thought blocking is not a sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s. It happens because of distraction or any other stress-related issues. And you might feel as if the thought has got “permanently erased.”
Reasons for “Thought Blocking”
This is not a severe problem at all unless you are facing it regularly.
In most cases, it occurs due to:
- Tension
- Exhaustion
- Tiredness
- Lack of proper sleep
- Distractions
- Doing many tasks simultaneously, e.g., driving, cleaning, or playing games while talking to someone.
However, this problem can also be due to thought disorders or psychosis.
Other Factors That Affect Memory
There are many other factors that can worsen the state of your brain. Your brain is a gift that you need to take care of.
Lack of Sleep
According to a group of scientists from University of California Berkeley, not getting enough sleep can severely affect memory, even cause Alzheimer’s.
With a full night’s sleep, the brain gets rid of toxic compounds that are responsible for brain cell damage. Without enough sleep, this process is hampered.
So you must always get a fair amount of sleep to help your brain function more efficiently!!!
Too Much Stress
People with chronic stress suffer from bad memory, and struggle to learn new things.
In addition, irritation, anxiety, tension, and lack of focus are caused by chronic stress more often than not.
If you want better cognition, it is crucial to lead a stress free life. However, it is not possible to eradicate all kinds of stress from our lives, but you need to try your best to stay relaxed. If necessary consult a therapist.
Dehydration
As the human brain is 80% water, prolonged dehydration can have pernicious effects on brain health. Especially for dementia patients, it is highly recommended to drink water on a regular basis.
Staying properly hydrated is necessary for all the bodily functions, not just brain health. Your renal health can severely deteriorate if you don’t drink enough water.