Light stimulation shows promise in slowing Parkinson’s, study finds

Light therapy is being trialled in Parkinson’s patients, with early signs suggesting it may slow the deterioration of damaged brain cells in some cases.

The technique involves directing light beams at nerve cells deep in the brain to stimulate mitochondria – structures that generate energy within cells – and potentially restore function.

Scientists from a biomedical research centre affiliated with Grenoble University Hospital in France developed the method, which targets dopamine-producing neurons – brain cells essential for movement that are gradually lost as the disease advances.

By the time symptoms appear, about half of these neurons may already be damaged.

Patients lose roughly 10 per cent of their dopamine receptors each year, said Dr Stephan Chabardès, a neurosurgeon at the hospital.

Chabardès told Radio France: “It’s very preliminary, but what we are seeing is quite promising.”

To reach deep brain regions, researchers developed a compact device that combines electronics, photonics and nanotechnology, allowing it to remain small while still effective.

Chabardès said: “It is the combination of this medical expertise in neurosurgery with expertise in micro and nanotechnologies that makes it possible to achieve these medical feats.”

So far, the approach has been used in seven patients with early-stage Parkinson’s.

In three of them, researchers observed a slowdown in symptom progression, especially with ongoing stimulation.

In these patients, the light therapy appeared to help restore some brain function, though researchers stressed that the results remain early-stage.

The goal is to slow the progression of neurological decline by supporting the recovery of nerve cell function through targeted stimulation.

Chabardès said a larger clinical trial would only go ahead if the current study demonstrates a consistent and measurable effect.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but researchers continue to investigate treatments that may delay its course or reduce symptoms, including non-invasive options like light stimulation.