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PhotoPharmics is a clinical-stage medical device company developing next-generation treatments for n

10/30/2025

Did you know that Parkinson’s disease is more common in men than in women?

Research shows that men are nearly 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s compared to women.

While the exact reasons aren’t fully understood, scientists believe that a mix of biological, hormonal, and environmental factors may play a role.

One theory suggests that estrogen may have a protective effect on the brain, helping women maintain dopamine levels for longer.

Others point to lifestyle and exposure differences—such as certain toxins or occupational risks—that may be more common among men.

Genetics and age also remain strong risk factors for both men and women.

Regardless of gender, the symptoms of Parkinson’s—such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance difficulties—can greatly impact daily life.

However, studies also show that women may experience Parkinson’s differently. For example:

Men are more likely to experience tremors early on.

Women are more likely to face postural instability and balance challenges.

Women may also experience differences in medication response and side effects.

Understanding these differences is not just interesting—it’s critical.

By recognizing how Parkinson’s presents and progresses differently in men and women, researchers and clinicians can work toward more personalized treatments and care approaches.

At Light for PD, we believe in supporting every person’s journey with Parkinson’s. Our clinical trial is focused on developing an innovative, non-invasive therapy that aims to improve quality of life.

👉 Learn more about our ongoing trial at lightforpd.com

10/29/2025

Each Morning Brings Fresh Hope

Living with Parkinson’s comes with its daily challenges—fluctuating symptoms, fatigue, stiffness, or mood changes.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but each morning offers a chance to start anew, to embrace the day with courage and kindness toward yourself.

Dear Me,
Today, I will honor my journey.

I may move slowly, I may feel tired, and I may face unexpected obstacles—but I will celebrate every small effort.

Whether it’s taking a walk, doing gentle stretches, practicing deep breathing, or simply getting out of bed, every action counts.

Self-compassion is as important as medication, therapy, or exercise.

A kind thought to yourself can be a powerful tool in maintaining emotional well-being, reducing stress, and improving resilience.

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and remember that progress doesn’t always have to be fast to be meaningful.

Connecting with others can also lift your spirits.

Share your journey with loved ones, join support groups, or participate in community activities tailored for Parkinson’s.

Feeling supported helps you navigate difficult days and keeps hope alive.

Remember: each day is a new opportunity to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Meet it with patience, courage, and kindness—because every small step is a victory.

10/28/2025

When we think of Parkinson’s disease, dopamine usually takes center stage.

But Parkinson’s is more than a “dopamine problem.”

In reality, several key neurotransmitters—the brain’s chemical messengers—are disrupted, which explains the wide range of both motor and non-motor symptoms people experience.

Here are 4 neurotransmitters that play a major role in Parkinson’s:

➡️ Dopamine – The most well-known neurotransmitter affected in Parkinson’s. A loss of dopamine-producing cells leads to hallmark symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and slowed movement.

➡️ Serotonin – Beyond mood, serotonin influences sleep, digestion, and emotional stability. Low serotonin levels in Parkinson’s are linked to depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

➡️ Norepinephrine – This neurotransmitter regulates blood pressure, alertness, and stress response. Its decline in Parkinson’s contributes to fatigue, dizziness, and issues like orthostatic hypotension (sudden drops in blood pressure when standing).

➡️ Acetylcholine – Essential for memory, learning, and motor control. Imbalances in acetylcholine are connected to cognitive decline, balance problems, and, in some cases, hallucinations.

By looking at all four together, it becomes clear why Parkinson’s isn’t only about movement—it affects mood, energy, thinking, and daily functioning.

That’s also why treatment strategies need to go beyond dopamine replacement to consider the broader picture of brain chemistry.

The more we understand about these neurotransmitters, the closer we get to therapies that address the full range of symptoms and improve quality of life.

💡 If you’d like to explore innovative approaches being studied to support both motor and non-motor symptoms, consider joining the Light for PD clinical trial. Together, we can help shape the future of Parkinson’s care: https://www.lightforpd.com/

10/27/2025

When we hear “Parkinson’s disease,” most of us think of tremors, stiffness, and slow movements.

But not all conditions that look like Parkinson’s are actually Parkinson’s disease.

These are known as atypical Parkinsonism or Parkinson-plus syndromes—and they deserve more awareness.

Atypical Parkinson’s refers to a group of neurological disorders that share some motor symptoms with Parkinson’s but progress differently and respond poorly to standard Parkinson’s medications like Levodopa.

Some of the common types include:

➡️ Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) – May cause balance issues, speech difficulties, and problems with blood pressure or bladder control.

➡️ Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – Often marked by difficulties with eye movement, frequent falls, and speech or swallowing issues.

➡️ Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS) – Characterized by stiffness, involuntary movements, and trouble using one side of the body.

➡️ Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) – Includes motor symptoms along with cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and sleep disturbances.

Unlike typical Parkinson’s, atypical Parkinsonism progresses more rapidly, and treatment can be challenging. Early symptoms may overlap, which makes diagnosis difficult.

That’s why awareness, timely consultation with specialists, and proper management are so important.

For people living with these conditions and their families, the journey can feel overwhelming—but support and research are growing.

Non-motor symptoms, lifestyle adjustments, and therapies beyond medication play an essential role in improving daily life.

💡 If you’re interested in being part of groundbreaking research to address both motor and non-motor symptoms, consider joining the Light for PD clinical trial: https://www.lightforpd.com/

10/24/2025

Depression is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s—and it’s more than just “feeling sad.”

It can show up as low motivation, loss of interest in activities, constant fatigue, or even irritability.

Recognizing it is the first step, because depression is treatable, and addressing it can significantly improve quality of life.

Here are some practical ways to cope with depression in Parkinson’s:

➡️ Talk openly about it – Share your feelings with your loved ones and healthcare team. Depression is not a personal weakness—it’s part of the disease, and support is available.

➡️ Stay physically active – Gentle exercises like walking, stretching, or yoga release endorphins and boost mood, while also helping motor symptoms.

➡️ Create a daily routine – Having structure helps reduce stress and gives a sense of purpose. Even small activities like gardening, journaling, or cooking can add positivity to your day.

➡️ Engage socially – Isolation can worsen depression. Connecting with support groups, friends, or community programs can make a big difference.

➡️ Seek professional help – Counseling, therapy, or medication adjustments can be highly effective. Never hesitate to discuss mental health openly with your doctor.

➡️ Focus on small wins – Celebrate simple achievements, like completing a walk or finishing a puzzle. These moments help rebuild confidence.

Managing depression in Parkinson’s is about a combination of medical support, lifestyle changes, and emotional connection. You don’t have to go through it alone—help is available, and hope is real.

💡 If you’re interested in exploring new approaches for both motor and non-motor symptoms, consider joining the Light for PD clinical trial: https://www.lightforpd.com/

10/23/2025

How Does Gait Appear in Parkinson’s?

Walking may seem effortless, but for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), gait often changes in subtle yet noticeable ways.

These changes are among the most recognized motor symptoms of PD and can affect confidence, independence, and quality of life.

Here are some common features of Parkinsonian gait:

➡️ Shorter Steps (Shuffling Walk): Instead of a natural stride, steps become shorter, giving the impression of dragging feet.

➡️ Reduced Arm Swing: One or both arms may swing less while walking, creating an unbalanced appearance.

➡️ Stooped Posture: Leaning forward slightly can shift balance, increasing the risk of falls.

➡️ Freezing Episodes: Some people suddenly feel as if their feet are “glued” to the floor, especially when turning or entering narrow spaces.

➡️ Slower Pace: Walking becomes slower and more deliberate, sometimes making daily activities more tiring.

Understanding these signs can help with early recognition, better planning, and safety measures. Therapies such as physical therapy, targeted exercises, and balance training often improve mobility and confidence.

At the same time, research continues to explore innovative therapies to support people with PD beyond traditional care. Our Light for PD clinical trial is designed to study non-drug and non-invasive therapy that may help manage both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's.

👉 If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, you may be eligible to join the trial. Learn more and explore participation today at lightforpd.com.

10/22/2025

Parkinson’s disease is not just about tremors or stiffness—it also profoundly affects the body’s natural circadian rhythm, our internal “body clock” that governs sleep, hormone release, and daily energy cycles.

Dopamine, the neurotransmitter most impacted in Parkinson’s, plays a critical role in regulating these rhythms.

When dopamine signaling is disrupted, the timing of sleep-wake cycles, motor activity, and even hormone fluctuations can become irregular.

This disruption helps explain why many people with Parkinson’s experience fragmented sleep, restless nights, and excessive daytime fatigue.

Symptoms may also fluctuate throughout the day, sometimes worsening at times when the body clock is out of sync.

Intriguingly, emerging research suggests that circadian disturbances might do more than cause discomfort—they could actively accelerate neurodegeneration, creating a feedback loop that worsens the disease over time.

The science also points to actionable solutions.

Light exposure at specific times, structured daily routines, and exercise synchronized with the body’s natural rhythms have all shown potential in stabilizing circadian cycles.

These strategies not only improve sleep and daytime alertness but may also optimize motor function and overall quality of life.

Understanding the link between Parkinson’s and the circadian rhythm is opening new avenues for treatment, shifting the focus from purely symptom management to addressing the underlying biological mechanisms.

By aligning daily life with the body’s natural rhythms, there’s real potential to make living with Parkinson’s more manageable.

If you’re interested in contributing to groundbreaking research and exploring innovative approaches to support circadian regulation in Parkinson’s, consider joining the Light for PD clinical trial: https://www.lightforpd.com/

10/21/2025

Parkinson’s disease is often recognized for its motor symptoms—tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement—but behavioral and emotional changes are equally important and often overlooked.

These non-motor symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Behavioral changes in Parkinson’s can include anxiety, depression, irritability, impulsivity, and even apathy.

They may appear gradually or suddenly, and sometimes before motor symptoms are noticeable.

These changes are linked to the underlying neurological changes in the brain, particularly in areas that regulate mood, motivation, and reward processing.

For caregivers and loved ones, it’s important to understand that these behaviors are part of the disease—they are not intentional.

Open communication, patience, and empathy go a long way.

Professional support, including counseling, behavioral therapy, or medication adjustments, can help manage symptoms effectively.

Monitoring behavioral changes is also crucial because sudden shifts can indicate medication side effects, sleep disturbances, or other health issues.

Keeping a symptom diary and sharing it with healthcare providers can improve treatment outcomes and daily quality of life.

Lifestyle strategies can help too. Regular exercise, structured routines, mental stimulation, and social engagement can support emotional well-being.

Even small, consistent habits like daily walks or creative activities can make a meaningful difference.

Addressing behavioral symptoms alongside motor symptoms is key to holistic Parkinson’s care.

Understanding and responding to these changes helps maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life for the person living with Parkinson’s.

If you’re interested in exploring a new approach to managing both motor and non-motor symptoms, consider joining the Light for PD clinical trial: https://www.lightforpd.com/

Only 40 spots left, so sign up fast!

10/20/2025

Anxiety is a common but often overlooked symptom in Parkinson’s disease.

It can significantly impact daily life, yet many people don’t realize it’s directly linked to Parkinson’s itself—not just a reaction to the challenges of the condition.

Here are 5 things you should know about anxiety in Parkinson’s:

1. It’s More Common Than You Think
Studies suggest that up to 40% of people with Parkinson’s experience significant anxiety. Recognizing it early can make a huge difference in managing symptoms effectively.

2. Anxiety Can Appear Before Movement Symptoms
For some, anxiety or panic attacks show up years before tremors or stiffness. This makes understanding emotional changes an important part of Parkinson’s awareness.

3. Symptoms Can Be Physical and Emotional
Anxiety may cause racing thoughts, irritability, or constant worry—but also physical signs like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, or restlessness. Being aware of both aspects helps in early intervention.

4. Medication Timing Matters
Fluctuations in Parkinson’s medications can trigger anxiety episodes. Keeping track of timing, dosage, and symptom patterns can help both patients and caregivers anticipate and manage these moments.

5. Lifestyle and Support Can Help
Exercise, mindfulness, structured routines, and social support can ease anxiety. Therapy or support groups tailored for Parkinson’s can also provide coping strategies and emotional relief.

Anxiety in Parkinson’s isn’t something to ignore—it’s a manageable part of the condition with the right support and interventions. Caregivers, friends, and healthcare professionals all play a role in helping someone navigate these challenges.

If you’re interested in innovative treatments and research aimed at improving non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, consider joining the Light for PD clinical trial: https://www.lightforpd.com/

10/17/2025

Parkinson’s disease is often recognized for its well-known symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. But there’s much more beneath the surface that many people don’t realize.

Here are 5 lesser-known facts about Parkinson’s that everyone should know:

1. It Affects More Than Movement
While tremors and rigidity are common, Parkinson’s also impacts non-motor functions. Many people experience changes in sleep, mood, memory, or even digestion long before movement issues appear.

2. Symptoms Can Start Asymmetrically
Parkinson’s often begins on one side of the body. You might notice subtle differences, like one hand feeling weaker or stiffer than the other, long before other symptoms emerge.

3. It’s Not Just a Disease of Older Adults
Although more common after age 60, Parkinson’s can affect younger adults too. Early-onset Parkinson’s, diagnosed before age 50, accounts for up to 10% of cases. Awareness is key for timely support and treatment.

4. Genetics Play a Role, But Not Always
While some forms are linked to specific gene mutations, most Parkinson’s cases are sporadic, meaning lifestyle and environmental factors also contribute. It’s a complex interplay that researchers are still unraveling.

5. Exercise Can Make a Difference
Regular physical activity doesn’t just support mobility—it may also protect brain health. Activities like walking, stretching, or even dancing can help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Understanding these facts can help families, caregivers, and communities provide better support and reduce misconceptions about Parkinson’s.

If you’re curious about new approaches to managing Parkinson’s and want to explore cutting-edge research, the Light for PD clinical trial is actively looking for participants.

This trial focuses on innovative treatment strategies designed to improve daily living for people with Parkinson’s.

10/16/2025

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease can be both rewarding and challenging.

As a caregiver, your role is vital in helping your loved one maintain independence, manage symptoms, and enjoy a better quality of life. Here are five practical tips to support you on this journey:

1. Encourage Daily Movement:
Physical activity helps manage stiffness, balance issues, and mood. Simple exercises like walking, stretching, or gentle yoga can make a big difference. Participate together—it can be motivating and fun.

2. Create a Safe Environment:
Parkinson’s can affect mobility and coordination, increasing fall risks. Keep floors clutter-free, use non-slip mats, and ensure adequate lighting. Small changes like grab bars in the bathroom or chairs with armrests can improve safety significantly.

3. Promote a Balanced Diet:
Nutrition impacts energy levels and overall health. Offer meals rich in fiber, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Hydration is equally important—remind your loved one to drink water throughout the day.

4. Support Medication Management:
Consistency is crucial for symptom control. Help organize medications using pillboxes or alarms. Encourage adherence but also respect their independence by involving them in the process whenever possible.

5. Prioritize Emotional Wellbeing:
Parkinson’s can bring anxiety, frustration, or depression. Listen actively, show empathy, and encourage social interactions. Simple acts like celebrating small achievements or spending quality time together can uplift spirits.

Being a caregiver is demanding, so don’t forget to care for yourself, too. Seek support groups, take breaks, and ask for help when needed—your well-being directly impacts the care you provide.

If you’re interested in innovative ways to support people with Parkinson’s and explore a new therapy, consider joining the Light for PD clinical trial. This trial is investigating a novel treatment approach that could help you manage both motor and non-motor symptoms of parkinson's.

Learn more and see if you qualify today: https://www.lightforpd.com/

10/15/2025

Sudden deterioration in Parkinson’s disease can be alarming—for both the person living with it and their caregivers.

While Parkinson’s is typically a slowly progressive condition, there are times when symptoms can worsen abruptly.

Understanding the possible causes can help in responding quickly and minimizing complications.

1. Medication Issues
Changes in dosage, missed doses, or interactions with other medications can trigger sudden worsening of symptoms. Consistency in timing and careful monitoring with a healthcare provider are essential.

2. Infections
Even mild infections like urinary tract infections or respiratory infections can cause Parkinson’s symptoms to spike. Fever or inflammation can temporarily impair movement, cognition, and balance.

3. Stress and Fatigue
Physical or emotional stress, sleep deprivation, or overexertion can exacerbate symptoms. The nervous system is sensitive, and sudden stressors may temporarily increase tremors, stiffness, or slowness.

4. Medication Side Effects or Adjustments
Starting new medications or changes in Parkinson’s treatments can occasionally worsen symptoms before improvements are noticed. Monitoring side effects and communicating with your doctor is key.

5. Underlying Medical Conditions
Other health issues, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or heart and lung problems, can trigger sudden declines in motor function or cognition. Regular health check-ups are important to catch these early.

While sudden deterioration can feel scary, identifying the cause often allows for quick intervention and stabilization. Caregivers and family members play a crucial role in noticing subtle changes early and seeking medical advice promptly.

For those interested in exploring new ways to support symptom management, the Light for PD clinical trial is investigating an innovative approach for Parkinson’s. Gates are closing soon, so enroll soon: https://www.lightforpd.com/

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3451 North Triumph Boulevard, Suite 201
Lehi, UT
84043

Telephone

+18017706960

Website

https://photopharmics.com/

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PhotoPharmics: On the cutting edge of Parkinson’s disease treatment

PhotoPharmics is a clinical-stage medical device company developing next-generation treatments for treating neurodegenerative disorders through the eyes. We have 30+ years of research and experience in specialized phototherapy, and are now passionately pursuing the next breakthrough in the treatment of the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Speaking of breakthrough, we are beyond thrilled that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently bestowed Breakthrough Device Designation upon our phototherapy device.

“Very few device companies receive Breakthrough designation. Our device is the first specialized phototherapy device to achieve this status,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. “Our focus is to help people with Parkinson’s improve function and return to what they enjoy doing most. We think this recognition by FDA validates our work.”

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, over one million Americans and ten million people worldwide suffer with Parkinson’s disease, a number which is expected to double within the next 20 years. Nearly 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed each year, and countless others are suffering without a formal diagnosis.