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

09/09/2025

Parkinson’s and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB): Understanding the Overlap

When we think of Parkinson’s disease, movement symptoms often come to mind—tremor, rigidity, slowness.

But for many people, non-motor symptoms like sleep changes, hallucinations, depression, or cognitive decline can be just as life-changing.

One related condition that shows how deeply these symptoms matter is Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB).

About 1.4 million people in the U.S. are estimated to live with DLB—a progressive brain disorder that, like Parkinson’s, is caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies.

🔹 What makes DLB unique in the Parkinson’s spectrum?

In Parkinson’s disease dementia, movement symptoms appear first, with cognitive changes developing later.

In DLB, thinking problems begin before or within a year of movement symptoms.

This overlap explains why many people with DLB are initially misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Both share symptoms such as:

— Challenges with memory, attention, and concentration

— Tremor, stiffness, and balance difficulties

— REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams)

— Mood changes including depression and anxiety

— Hallucinations or delusions as the disease progresses

For families, these non-motor changes can be as difficult—sometimes more—than the physical aspects of Parkinson’s.

They affect independence, daily life, and emotional well-being.

While there is currently no cure, supportive treatments and care strategies are available to help manage symptoms.

Early, accurate diagnosis and a team-based approach with healthcare providers make a meaningful difference.

That’s also why new therapies are being studied to target non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s.

The Light for PD clinical trial is exploring light-based therapy to potentially support better sleep, mood, and energy in people with Parkinson’s.

👉 Learn more at lightforpd.com

09/08/2025

Constipation in Parkinson’s: Why It Happens and How to Manage It?

Constipation is one of the most common — and often most frustrating — non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

While it may seem like a small issue compared to movement symptoms, it can significantly affect comfort, energy, and overall quality of life.

So, why does constipation happen in PD?

👉 Parkinson’s slows down the automatic movements of the digestive system, meaning food moves through the gut more slowly.

👉 Some PD medications can also contribute to constipation as a side effect.

👉 Reduced physical activity, dehydration, and dietary changes can make it worse.

The good news?

There are practical steps that can help:

✔️ Hydration: Drink enough water throughout the day. Warm liquids in the morning may stimulate the bowels.

✔️ Fiber: Include fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. (Add fiber gradually to avoid bloating.)

✔️ Movement: Gentle exercise like walking or stretching helps stimulate digestion.

✔️ Routine: Try to use the bathroom at the same times each day to train your body.

✔️ Medical support: Talk to your healthcare provider about safe laxatives or adjustments to medication if constipation is persistent.

Remember, constipation is not “just part of aging.” It’s a real health concern that deserves attention and care.

Addressing it can improve comfort, energy levels, and even the effectiveness of medications.

At Light for PD, we’re exploring how light-based therapy may support people with Parkinson’s in ways beyond medication alone.

Our goal is to potentially help improve quality of life, energy, and overall well-being — because living with PD should mean living fully.

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s, learn more about joining the Light for PD clinical trial at lightforpd.com.

Together, we can shine a brighter light on living well with PD.

09/05/2025

💭 When we think of anxiety, we often picture racing thoughts, constant worry, or a sense of dread.

But what many don’t realize is how often anxiety shows up in the body—sometimes in surprising ways.

Some physical symptoms linked to anxiety include:

— Exhaustion or poor sleep

— Brain fog and dizziness

— Chest pain or a racing heartbeat

— Digestive issues

— Shaky hands

— Blurry vision

— Jaw clenching or tight muscles

— Burning sensations in the mouth

For those living with Parkinson’s disease, this connection is especially important.

Anxiety is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of PD, but it doesn’t always appear as “worry.” Instead, it might show up as morning dread, a pounding heartbeat at night, or constant muscle tension.

Because Parkinson’s already affects both body and mind, these overlapping symptoms can be easy to miss—or mistaken for something else.

Recognizing that anxiety may be behind certain physical experiences is the first step toward understanding and managing them better.

While some treatment options exist, researchers are exploring new ways to support people with PD beyond traditional approaches.

👉 One such effort is the Light for PD clinical trial, designed to study how light-based therapy may help manage non-motor symptoms like anxiety, mood changes, and sleep problems.

Learn more here: lightforpd.com

09/04/2025

Many people with Parkinson’s find that sleep is one of the biggest daily challenges.

It’s not just about trouble falling asleep—there can be issues like vivid dreams, restless legs, waking up often during the night, or feeling unusually sleepy during the day.

These problems aren’t always talked about, but they can affect mood, energy, and quality of life.

Sometimes the very treatments that help with movement can make sleep trickier, creating a cycle that feels hard to manage.

Some things that may help include:

👉 Keeping a regular bedtime routine

👉 Talking with your doctor about adjusting medications if needed

👉 Exploring approaches like light exposure, gentle exercise, or relaxation techniques

👉 Looking into treatments for specific issues such as REM sleep behavior disorder or restless legs

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the different types of sleep problems in Parkinson’s is the first step to finding what works best for each person.

If you’d like to learn more, we’ve put together a guide that explains the different sleep challenges in Parkinson’s and ways people are approaching them.

📖 Read here: https://photopharmics.com/a-guide-to-understanding-and-managing-sleep-problems-in-parkinsons-disease/

09/03/2025

For many people living with Parkinson’s disease, sleep challenges are more than just nighttime frustrations—they directly impact how the next day feels.

Studies show that poor or fragmented sleep can worsen motor symptoms the following day, such as:

➡️ Increased tremors
➡️ More difficulty with movement and coordination
➡️ Greater fatigue and slowness

Why does this happen?

During sleep, the brain processes and repairs.

When this cycle is disrupted, dopamine regulation and motor control—the systems already affected by PD—struggle even more.

Over time, this creates a cycle: poor sleep leads to worse motor symptoms, and motor challenges can further disturb sleep.

What can help?

— Creating a consistent sleep routine

— Light exercise during the day

— Avoiding caffeine close to bedtime

— Talking with your doctor about nighttime symptoms

Improving sleep isn’t only about rest—it can mean a better tomorrow for people with Parkinson’s.

That’s why new therapies are being studied to address both sleep and motor symptoms in PD, aiming to improve daily quality of life in ways medication alone may not.

👉 Discover the Celeste trial: an investigational, at-home light therapy device that may help manage both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's.

Enrollment is closing soon with only 40 spots remaining, so don't miss this opportunity.

Learn more at LightForPD.com.

09/02/2025

Parkinson’s is most often thought of as a movement disorder, but changes in thinking and memory can also be part of the journey.

Recognizing early signs of cognitive decline can help people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones seek support sooner, manage symptoms better, and protect quality of life.

➡️Here are some changes to keep an eye on:

— Memory lapses: Forgetting appointments, misplacing items, or needing reminders more often than before.

— Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to follow conversations, read, or stay focused on tasks.

— Slower thinking (bradyphrenia): Taking longer to process information or respond in discussions.

— Trouble with planning and problem-solving: Managing finances, cooking, or organizing activities feels harder than it used to.

— Word-finding challenges: Pausing often mid-sentence or substituting words unintentionally.

— Spatial awareness issues: Getting disoriented in familiar places or having trouble judging distances.

It’s important to remember: noticing one of these occasionally doesn’t necessarily mean decline.

But when these signs become frequent, persistent, or disruptive, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Why does it matter?

Early recognition opens doors to strategies—like cognitive therapy, structured routines, exercise, and social engagement—that can help slow progression and support independence.

It also helps families adapt and plan together.

👉 If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, staying alert to changes in thinking is just as important as monitoring movement.

Knowledge is power. The sooner you know, the more you can do to manage and live fully.

Looking for a non-invasive, at-home way to manage the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's?

The LIGHT for PD trial is testing the Celeste device, which uses light therapy to potentially ease these challenging symptoms.

Enrollment is closing soon, with only 40 spots remaining. If you or a loved one could benefit, learn more and sign up at lightforpd.com.

09/01/2025

Navigating the Parkinson’s Energy Rollercoaster 🎢

If you’re living with Parkinson’s, you’ve probably felt it—one moment you have enough energy to get through the day, and the next, you’re hit with a wall of exhaustion that feels impossible to push through.

This unpredictable cycle is what many call the Parkinson’s energy rollercoaster.

Unlike ordinary tiredness, Parkinson’s fatigue is deeper.

It’s not always fixed by rest, and it can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

The ups and downs often come without warning, which can add to frustration and stress.

So how can you better navigate this rollercoaster?

✅ Pace yourself. Break activities into smaller chunks, with built-in rest breaks.

✅ Prioritize what matters. Save energy for the tasks and moments most meaningful to you.

✅ Move gently. Light exercise—like stretching, yoga, or a short walk—can boost circulation, improve mood, and actually increase energy over time.

✅ Listen to your body. Some days will naturally be lower-energy. Allow yourself to rest without guilt.

✅ Support sleep. Good nighttime rest helps stabilize energy the next day.

The truth is, energy with Parkinson’s can be unpredictable.

But with small adjustments and self-compassion, it’s possible to ride the highs and soften the lows.

💡 Alongside lifestyle strategies, research is also exploring new ways to ease fatigue.

The Light for PD clinical trial is currently studying how light therapy may help with non-motor symptoms such as sleep, mood, and fatigue in Parkinson’s.

It's a non-invasive approach that can be performed in the comfort of your home.

👉 Enrollment is open, but limited spots remain. Learn more or see if you qualify at lightforpd.com

08/29/2025

How Exercise Can Reduce Parkinson’s Fatigue (Even When It Feels Impossible)

Fatigue in Parkinson’s isn’t just “being tired.” It’s a deep, draining exhaustion that rest alone often doesn’t fix.

And here’s the twist—the very thing that feels hardest to do, exercise, can actually be one of the most effective tools for fighting it.

So how does movement help when your body feels like stopping?

✔️ Boosts energy, not drains it.

Gentle activity improves circulation, oxygen flow, and dopamine release, often leaving you more energized afterward.

✔️ Breaks the fatigue cycle.

Fatigue can lead to inactivity, which weakens muscles and lowers stamina, making exhaustion worse.

Movement interrupts this loop.

✔️ Improves sleep quality.

Regular exercise helps regulate your body clock, leading to deeper, more restorative rest.

✔️ Lifts mood and motivation.

Endorphins sparked by exercise reduce heaviness and bring mental clarity.

✔️ Builds resilience.

Over time, consistent activity strengthens both body and mind to better handle fatigue.

The key is starting small.

A short walk, gentle stretching, or a few minutes of seated movement can make a real difference.

The focus isn’t on intensity—it’s on consistency.

Even five minutes a day can build momentum toward better days.

Of course, everyone’s experience with Parkinson’s is different, and fatigue can have many causes.

Always talk to your doctor or physical therapist before changing your routine.

💡 Alongside lifestyle strategies like exercise, new therapies are being studied too.

The Celeste clinical trial is currently exploring how light therapy may help improve non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s such as fatigue, sleep, and mood.

Only 40 spots remain, and enrollment is closing soon.

👉 If you or someone you know is living with Parkinson’s, this could be a chance to explore new options in care.

Learn more or see if you qualify at lightforpd.com

08/28/2025

What Hallucinations in Parkinson’s Really Mean (and What They Don’t)

Hallucinations are one of those Parkinson’s symptoms that people often whisper about but rarely discuss openly.

They can feel unsettling—for the person experiencing them and for loved ones who may not know how to respond.

But here’s the truth: hallucinations don’t mean someone is “losing touch with reality” in the way many assume.

Understanding them can bring calm, compassion, and clarity.

➡️ What Hallucinations Do Mean in Parkinson’s?

— They’re common. Up to half of people with Parkinson’s may experience hallucinations at some stage.

— They’re often visual. People may see animals, people, or objects that aren’t really there—from fleeting shadows to vivid images.

— They can be medication-related. Treatments that boost dopamine for motor symptoms can sometimes overstimulate brain circuits involved in perception.

— They reflect brain changes. Parkinson’s affects not only movement but also brain regions that process sensory information.

➡️ What Hallucinations Don’t Mean

— They’re not always a sign of dementia. They can occur even in people who remain cognitively sharp.

— They don’t mean the person is “making things up.” Hallucinations feel real to the one experiencing them.

— They don’t always erase awareness. Many people still recognize that what they see isn’t real.

➡️ Why Talking About It Matters?

Hallucinations can create fear and isolation if left unspoken.

Open conversations with doctors are essential.

Sometimes, small medication adjustments or changes in the environment, like better lighting, can help.

Just as important is emotional support—listening and offering calm reassurance can make the experience less distressing.

📍 At Light for PD, we’re working on advancing care in new ways.

Through the Celeste device trial, we’re exploring how light therapy may help people with Parkinson’s.

Enrollment is closing soon, with only 40 spots left—so if you or a loved one may benefit, now is the time to learn more and see if you qualify. Visit www.lightforpd.com for more details.

08/27/2025

Happy Women's Equality Day!

Today, we honor the incredible strength and resilience of women everywhere, and we want to shine a special light on the women within our Parkinson's community.

Women navigate a unique journey with Parkinson's, whether living with the diagnosis themselves or serving as a primary caregiver.

They often face different symptoms, distinct healthcare challenges, and disproportionately carry the weight of caregiving responsibilities.

Their contributions are immense, yet their specific needs can sometimes be overlooked.

Equality in the Parkinson's world means ensuring their voices are heard, their health is prioritized, and their burden is shared.

It's about creating a community where support is equitable and every experience is valued.

This Women's Equality Day, let's commit to empowering the amazing women around us.

Here are 5 ways to start:

🔹 Amplify Her Voice: Truly listen when she speaks about her symptoms or caregiving stress. Women’s health experiences are valid and vital.

🔹 Advocate for Specialized Care: Encourage discussions with doctors about female-specific aspects of PD and the unique health needs of caregivers.

🔹 Share the Load: Offer practical help. Providing respite for a caregiver is one of the most powerful ways to show support and prevent burnout.

🔹 Validate Her Emotional Journey: Acknowledge the invisible mental and emotional work she does every day. A simple "I see how hard you're working" can mean the world.

🔹 Celebrate Her Resilience: Recognize the quiet strength, adaptability, and grace she brings to managing life with Parkinson's.

How do you support the incredible women in your Parkinson's community?

Share in the comments below!

08/26/2025

Sleep challenges are common in Parkinson’s.

From difficulty falling asleep to frequent waking during the night, disrupted rest can take a toll on both body and mind.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, building calming bedtime routines can make a real difference.

Here are five gentle practices that many people with Parkinson’s find helpful:

1. Keep a regular sleep schedule

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

2. Create a calming environment

Dim lights, comfortable bedding, and a quiet atmosphere can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Some people find white noise or soft music helpful.

3. Gentle stretching or relaxation exercises

Simple stretches, yoga, or guided breathing before bed can reduce stiffness, ease muscle tension, and help the mind settle.

4. Limit screen time and stimulation

The blue light from phones and TVs can interfere with melatonin production. Try reading a book, listening to soothing audio, or practicing meditation instead.

5. Be mindful of late-night snacks and medications

Heavy meals, caffeine, or taking medication too close to bedtime can disrupt rest. Work with your healthcare provider to plan the best timing for your evening doses.

Always consult your doctor before making changes to your routine or medications.

💤 While Parkinson’s may bring unique challenges, consistent routines can help restore balance and bring more restful nights.

What helps you sleep better with Parkinson’s?

Share your tips in the comments—your experience might help someone else!

At Light for PD, we’re exploring how specialized light therapy may improve sleep and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.

If you or a loved one is interested in joining our clinical trial, learn more at lightforpd.com.

Enrolment is closing soon, as only 40 spots are left!

08/25/2025

Postural Instability in Parkinson’s: More Than Just “Balance Problems”

When you live with Parkinson’s disease (PD), “postural instability” isn’t just a medical term.

It’s a daily challenge that can affect independence, confidence, and safety.

Postural instability means difficulty maintaining your balance, especially when standing, walking, or changing directions. I

t happens because PD affects the brain’s ability to coordinate movement and posture.

Over time, this can make falls more likely, and recovery from those falls more difficult.

You might notice:

— Feeling unsteady when turning or pivoting

— Taking multiple small steps to stop or regain balance

— A sensation of “falling backward” (retropulsion)

— Trouble catching yourself if bumped or nudged

These symptoms don’t just affect mobility—they impact quality of life, social engagement, and emotional well-being. Even everyday activities like getting out of a chair, carrying groceries, or walking on uneven ground can feel risky.

💡 The good news?

Understanding postural instability can help you take proactive steps:

— Work with a physical therapist to strengthen core and leg muscles

— Practice balance exercises in a safe environment

— Use support aids when needed (canes, walkers) without hesitation

— Keep your home environment free of tripping hazards

At Light for PD, we’re exploring innovative, non-invasive light therapy aimed at potentially helping people with PD manage non-motor symptoms, while supporting overall well-being.

Our trial is closing soon, and there are only 40 spots left.

If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, this could be your chance to explore a promising approach.

📩 Sign up today and be part of the Light for PD trial before registration ends.

Address

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.