Possible use of LEDs in dementia treatment
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may be able to help with dementia after a helmet that uses the technology improved the condition of a patient.
The helmet stimulates brain neurons via 700 infrared light-emitting diodes and was invented by Dr Gordon Dougal, a family doctor in County Durham.
Clem Fennel, 57, from the USA, was the first patient, and can now do simple tasks like conversation and answering the phone - whereas before he could not even do those due to his dementia.
The results were achieved after three weeks of treatment, which consists of wearing the helmet twice a day for ten minutes.
Mr Fennel's wife Vickey said that his "personality has started to show again".
She added: "Honestly, I can tell you that within ten days the deterioration stopped."
It is not yet known if the improvement is permanent, but a bonus of the treatment is that it is non-invasive, meaning no damage will be caused.
Research at Sunderland University in 2005 found that infrared has a positive effect on lymphocytes, which form part of the immune system.
Tuesday, 15th July 2008
