Low Level Light Therapy for Parkinson's Neurologic Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for Parkinson's disease, including those targeting dopamine reduction, are ineffective in addressing cognitive and motor impairments, and existing low-level laser therapies face challenges in delivering sufficient energy to the brain without damaging intervening tissue.
Innovation Solution
A method involving non-invasive delivery of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the visible to near-infrared range, at specific power densities between 0.01 mW/cm2 and 100 mW/cm2, through the scalp and skull to target areas of the brain, to enhance neurologic function and reduce Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high energy laser radiation is used for surgical applications, then cutting and ablation effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from high power density laser radiation (surgical level) to low power density laser radiation (therapeutic level). This parameter change allows the laser to penetrate tissue and reach the brain without causing thermal damage, while still delivering sufficient energy to stimulate mitochondrial function and improve neurologic outcomes in Parkinson's disease patients.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low level laser therapy is used to avoid tissue damage, then tissue safety is improved, but energy delivery to deep brain structures becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: wavelength selection (808nm or 980nm near-infrared) for deep tissue penetration, power density (10-1000 mW/cm² at the scalp) to ensure adequate energy delivery, and treatment duration (10-30 minutes) to accumulate therapeutic effect. These parameter changes enable low-level laser therapy to effectively reach deep brain structures like the substantia nigra without causing tissue damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces the severity of Parkinson's disease symptoms by enhancing neurologic functioning, preventing or reducing the incidence of the disease, and promoting biostimulatory effects without damaging the tissue, as demonstrated by improved ATP production and cerebral blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a neurologic enhancing effective amount of a light energy having a wavelength in the visible to near-infrared wavelength range to at least one area of the brain
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the neurons with said light energy increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by the neurons
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a patient having neurologic function affected by Parkinson's disease is provided. The method includes providing a patient having neurologic function affected by Parkinson's disease. The method further includes delivering electromagnetic radiation noninvasively through the scalp and the skull of the patient to at least one portion of the brain of the patient. The light energy has a wavelength in the visible to near-infrared wavelength range, and the wavelength, power density, and amount of the light energy delivered to the at least one portion of the brain are sufficient to reduce the severity of symptoms of Parkinson's disease in the patient.