By Dr. Doreen DeStefano, NhD, APRN, DNP
In a field with few advancements, a couple therapies are increasing attention as potential treatment options for dementia.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive form of phototherapy that uses highly focused infrared lasers to penetrate deep under the skin to bring light energy to targeted areas. Unlike other wavelengths, infrared light is absorbed by different types of tissues triggering cellular healing. LLLT has a long history in post-surgical (medical and dental) and orthopedic rehabilitation, as cellular healing decreases inflammation and stimulates wound and fracture healing.
For our aging loved ones, it’s a relief that research of LLLT in dementia is promising as an adjunct treatment. Age-related cognitive decline in Alzhiemer’s or Parkinson’s is triggered in part by damaged and dying neuronal cells. Transcranial Low-Level Laser Therapy (TLLLT), using the same light laser technology, is applied through a helmet or head cap. TLLLT has been shown to penetrate the brain and directly aid damaged neuronal cells and stop cellular death.
Transcranial Low-Level Laser Therapy (TLLLT) devices (helmets, caps) are non-invasive and painless, and can be used at home or in clinics. Therapies, including session lengths and frequency, are adjustable dependent on the diagnoses.
Methylene Blue (MB)
The relationship between Methylene Blue (MB) and Alzheimer’s disease has recently attracted increasing scientific attention since it has been suggested that MB may slow down the progression of this disease.
Methylthioninium chloride, commonly called methylene blue, was originally developed as a dye used as an IV contrast aid for visualization and orientation of medical or surgical procedures. MB is also FDA-approved for intravenous use in patients with the acquired blood disorder, Methemoglobinemia.
Multiple trials have concluded that MB, in oral or IV forms, slows cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s by reducing formations of the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles common to the disease.
ROOT CAUSES HOLISTIC HEALTH & MEDICINE
Root Causes Holistic Health and Medicine is committed to helping you achieve optimal health. Our mission is to find the root cause of your symptoms and help you achieve wellness through correcting any contributing factors that can be corrected. We look at you as a whole person, and not just a collection of symptoms to be corrected. We strive for balance and wellness through lifestyle management, nutrition and naturally occurring compounds and therapies whenever possible.
Doreen DeStefano, NhD, APRN, DNP
Dr. DeStefano came to Fort Myers in the early 1980’s, leaving and coming back again several times until finally settling here in 2001. She has a lifelong background in health and wellness that began in middle school when she started running.
Dr. DeStefano is also a lifelong student. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and another in exercise physiology. She has a Masters (ABT) in criminology, a Master’s in public business administration and a Master’s in nursing. She holds a doctorate in natural health and is a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. She holds numerous licenses and certifications from advanced practice training. She continues to attend educational seminars in integrative and functional medicine twice a year to stay abreast of the most recent, cutting edge therapies available.
Her practice is centered on naturopathic principles that include healing the whole person on various levels and avoiding pharmaceutical intervention unless absolutely necessary. She believes your health Is within your control. Her goal is to help you achieve maximum health.
Learn more about unique and effective therapies with Doreen DeStefano.
ROOT CAUSES HOLISTIC HEALTH & MEDICINE
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