Shining a Light on Depression - How Infrared Light Can Treat Depression
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DENVER, /PRNewswire/ -- Denver-based psychiatrist Theodore Henderson, M.D., Ph.D and Dr. Larry Morries are revolutionizing the treatment of neurological disorders like depression, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Using a unique, high-powered, multi-Watt near-infrared light (NILT), they have shown significant treatment benefit in many patients. The non-invasive infrared light can safely penetrate the scalp and skull, reaching the brain to re-energize damaged brain cells and activate the brain's own healing processes. "Infrared light delivered properly, can activate brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF," Dr. Henderson explained to the doctors and audience of The Doctors Show. He further explained that the growth factor stimulates brain repair and the building of new circuits in a segment of the popular health show which aired September 25, 2018. NILT induces regeneration processes and reduces inflammation in the brain and this has proven an effective treatment of depression. The first study by Drs. Henderson and Morries were published in October 2017. Co-Founders of Neuro-Laser Foundation, Dr. Henderson and Dr. Morries have published eight additional studies supporting the effectiveness of this treatment, particularly on patients with a traumatic brain injury. The Neuro-Laser Foundation initially focused on developing an effective treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI). With more than ten years of experience in treating those with TBI, the doctors are recognizing the common benefit that neuroregeneration, or brain repair, can have in other conditions. For example, patients with depression often responded with four to eight treatments – much quicker than with antidepressant medications. In their 2017 study, 92 percent of patients gained significant relief from their depressive symptoms. This is far superior to the typical response to antidepressant medicines and does not have the side effects usually associated with antidepressant meds, such as weight gain, drowsiness, and erectile dysfunction. Drs. Morries and Henderson also have been treating patients with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease – two diseases characterized by the loss of brain cells. The results so far are encouraging. Dr. Morries explained, "Our patients with Parkinson's disease walk more easily and several have been able to reduce the doses of medications that they take. It is almost unheard of for patients to go down on their medication doses. It's usually a one way road to higher and higher doses!" Dr. Morries cautioned that double-blind, placebo controlled trials are warranted to verify these results before the device and method will be more widely available. A "Fight the Tragedy of Brain Injury" fundraising campaign on GoFundMe supports further Neuro-Laser Foundation research and financial aid for military veterans, first-responders, and others who may qualify for this treatment. Drs. Morries and Henderson treat patients who are local to the Denver area as well as those traveling from various locations across the nation. Potential new patients can explore this treatment option further and schedule a free consultation. The Neuro-Laser Foundation is a non-profit organization, based in Denver, Colorado, building on more than 30 years of studying the effects of near-infrared light on cells and tissues to advance technology and treatment approaches for traumatic brain injury, among other psychiatric conditions. Donations support research as well as treatment for military Veterans and first-responders who qualify. Please support the "Fight the Tragedy of Brain Injury" campaign, and learn more at the Neuro-Laser Foundation website or by calling (720) 493-1101. Media Contact:
SOURCE The Neuro-Laser Foundation |
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