Parkinson's Disease remains as one of the most widespread debilitating illnesses, causing great upset for sufferers as it progresses. Its symptoms can cause considerable distress for patients. However, early research has suggested that Bright Light Therapy (BLT) can help ease the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, giving patients greater freedom, while also reducing the depression often induced by their condition.

A pilot study conducted in the Department of Neurology in Germany's University of Bonn found that BLT led to a significant improvement of tremor, Parkinson's Disease Rating Scales I, II and IV and depression. A placebo group saw no improvement. You can read the full abstract here.

An Australian study, conducted in the Bronowski Institude of Behavioural Neuroscience at the Coliban Medical Centre in Victoria, also showed showed Bright Light Therapy to be of great benefit to Parkinson's Disease patients. Their study found that within two weeks of beginning their BLT, most patients showed a marked improvement in bradykinaesia and rigidity. In addition, agitation, dyskinaesia and psychiatric side effects were reduced, leading to decreased requirement for dopamine replacement therapy. Other benefits included elevated mood, improved sleep, decreased seborrhea, reduced impotence and increased appetite. It also permitted the reduction of the dose of L-dopa, bromocriptine or deprenyl in some patients by up to 50% without loss of symptom control.

Proven benefits of light therapy that make treating Parkinson's Disease patients easier include reduced depression, heightened alertness, increased energy and regulated sleep cycles, all of which increase patient morale and easier to treat and interact with. Research is ongoing into the effects of light therapy on Parkinson's Disease specifically, but the research to date has been positive and incredibly encouraging. Both studies have shown a significant reduction in symptoms as well as many other benefits that improve the quality of life of patients. It also has the potential to considerably reduce the required levels of medication and help regulate patients' sleep patterns.

Why Litebook?

The Litebook Elite makes administering light therapy much quicker and easier than ever before. It is just a fraction of the size of regular lamps, and because the peak wavelengths of the LEDs replicate those of sunlight, usage time is reduced to just 15-30 minutes. It has the advantage of not having to be looked directly into, meaning it can be used at an angle while eating breakfast, reading the newspaper or working at a desk. All of this makes it easier for patients to get the therapy they need, leading to increased compliance.

In terms of ongoing costs, the Litebook works out at considerably cheaper than conventional lamps over its lifespan. Ordinary lamps use bulbs that last for approximately 500 hours, whereas the Litebook's LEDs should last for 100,000 hours – or 11 years of constant use. The Litebook also uses 10% of the amount of electricity of regular lamps. The Litebook also features a 2-year warranty, so you can rest assured that the Litebook is not only built to work, but built to last too. Here at Intus we will be on hand to offer any advise, help or support you need to provide your customers with the best support possible.

What the Litebook means for your clinic

• Shorter therapy times
• Much convenient size
• No UV radiation
• Greatly reduced running costs
• Increased compliance
• Reduced appointment frequency

If you need any further information about the Litebook Elite or light therapy in general, you can find more information here on our website, or call us on 0844 504 9999 to discuss how the Litebook can fit in with and enhance your clinic's services. Many other clinics have already been replacing their standard light therapy units with Litebooks, so click below to join the transition.