A new study published earlier in December indicates that something as simple as light therapy might have a big benefit when it comes to helping improve the quality of life that those with Alzheimer’s disease are able to experience.
The team of researchers found that light therapy can potentially improve some of the symptoms that those with Alzheimer’s experience. Symptoms that seemed to be improved included sleep and psychobehavioral things like dementia-induced anger, agitation, frustration, and more.
Light therapy comes in a lot of different forms and has already been well established as an effective tool against depression in otherwise healthy individuals. This is a cost effective treatment and doesn’t even require special equipment during the summer months.
This is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, this research does seem to indicate that there are things that can be done to alleviate some of the symptoms that come along with this form of dementia. Alzheimer’s might be characterized by memory loss, but it’s not the only issue that those with the disease experience. Trouble with sleeping, agitation and anger, depression, and behavioral issues all accompany the disease, unfortunately. Light therapy was found to help almost all of these aspects, and according to internal measures, it also was found to help make life a little bit easier for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s.
This research comes out of the Weifang Medical University. The team of researchers published their findings in the journal, PLOS ONE. It might not be a cure, but this kind of research will certainly make life a little bit better for seniors that are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. To this date, there’s no cure for the disease. However, research has the potential to help get us a step closer to one.
When a loved one needs senior care, the whole family can be impacted. It’s not just one person that is in need–it’s everyone that’s close to them. Sometimes, these needs can be covered within the family without any complications. But as needs grow in severity and intensity, this can change. What was once easy for a family member to take care of on their own can become a lot harder to do. A professional caregiver might be needed.
This is even more likely to be the case if you have a family member with Alzheimer’s. Dementia of any sort can be difficult to deal with, especially as needs change and become more intense over time. Having a professional on your side can be a huge help for the entire family.
We’re here to talk if you have questions about the best way to connect your family to the senior care that they need to thrive. Whether it’s memory care or something else, there’s a care service out there that can help.
If you’re looking for a starting point, please give us a call. We offer free consultation services designed to answer your questions and get you pointed in the right direction. Senior care can be a challenge, but you don’t have to tackle that challenge on your own. Let us know how we can help today!
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