Have you noticed that next to looking younger, one of the biggest topics in the news is…wait, what was it? Oh right, it’s helping our minds stay younger! Kidding aside, brain health is key to our longevity and has been a primary focus of doctors for years. It’s important to discuss using infrared to delay dementia and potentially, Alzheimer’s disease.
The continued rise of Alzheimer’s cases has many health providers concerned about preventing brain degeneration. How do we keep cognitive decline at bay? Staying mentally sharp is something we can all work on long before any kind of diagnosis occurs. More than a few studies are showing that light therapy and infrared can help.
Doctors and scientists are devoted to learning what actually causes Alzheimer’s and dementia. Just when they think they discover a genetic marker or link, new studies turn up additional conclusions. They do know that the brain is an organ that performs many functions. Similar to a muscle, to keep it working we must stimulate it and keep it ‘elastic.’
More specifically, our cognitive function is linked to cellular regeneration and proper circulation. Cognitive decline happens as we age. If brain cells become unhealthy or damaged, dementia can result.
First, let’s get a basic understanding of what defines Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Disease vs Dementia
Alzheimer’s is a disease, like Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, or Lewy Body disorder, which affects cognitive function. It starts most noticeably as memory loss and progresses with symptoms such as “disorientation, mood, and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.”
Alzheimer’s cause is still mostly unknown, although it has been linked to a build-up of plaques on brain neurons and affects all parts of the brain. Currently, it has no immediate cure and is considered fatal.
A survey done showed that 44% of Americans say they don’t worry about getting Alzheimer’s if it doesn’t run in their family. However, the disease is not entirely genetic, particularly with late-onset Alzheimer’s which normally affects people over 60.
Dementia is an umbrella term that’s considered “a syndrome; it describes several chronic and progressive brain diseases, of which Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent.” Alzheimer’s causes dementia, not the other way around. Medically, dementia is defined as “when once-healthy neurons (nerve cells) in the brain stop working, lose connections with other brain cells, and die.” While people naturally lose some neurons as they age, it’s possible to age without having any signs or symptoms of dementia. Additionally, dementia is potentially reversible.
Infrared To Improve Brain Function
In recent years, studies have been done that link infrared to better circulation, heart function, blood pressure, and other positive health benefits. Since your heart and blood affect the organs and many other body functions, it follows that your brain will benefit from infrared as well.
Scientists have performed multiple studies and trials related to infrared and its effect on memory, brain health, and Alzheimer’s. While medication is still being improved for delaying or reversing Alzheimer’s symptoms, infrared has shown promising results in helping with the regeneration of essential brain proteins. A study being conducted over two years seeks to show that near-infrared, or LED red light treatment, could also help. This study is still ongoing.
A further investigation conducted just this year to determine if near-infrared light therapy helps reduce diseased cells and inflammation proved successful, specifically in addressing Alzheimer’s.
With any illness prevention doctors have found that lifestyle changes can also help stave off decline, including with our brains. Using infrared to delay dementia along with good diet and exercise is a valid option. Not everyone is aware of it yet, but it can provide lasting, positive results.
Health Mate saunas offer the full spectrum of infrared treatment and are designed for ultimate wellness. For near-infrared treatment, the Chromotherapy option offers the red light desired for enhancing our cell function and regeneration. Learn more about our models and the range of features offered.