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PhotoPharmics

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

01/20/2026

Behind every clinical study are patients, caregivers, investigators, and research teams.

We’re grateful to the Parkinson’s disease community for making possible the peer-reviewed publication of our Phase 2 clinical trial results in Neurotherapeutics, as we continue conducting our Phase 3/Pivotal trial.

🔗 Details in our newsroom at https://ow.ly/GTQV50XWYpG.

Celeste® is an investigational device.

01/09/2026

❓Why Parkinson's Disrupts More Than Just Sleep

We often talk about the "motor" symptoms of Parkinson’s, but there is a silent system running in the background that is just as heavily impacted: the Circadian Rhythm.

Most people think of circadian rhythm simply as their sleep-wake cycle.

But in reality, it is a complex 24-hour internal program that dictates nearly every biological process in your body—from hormone release to digestion to body temperature.

In Parkinson's disease, this master clock often falls out of sync.

➡️ Here is the science (and the facts you might not know):

The "Master Clock" lives in a part of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). It relies on light signals entering through the eyes to know when to be awake and when to rest.

In PD, neurodegeneration affects this signaling pathway, leaving the body in a state of "temporal confusion."

➡️ 3 Lesser-Known Facts About PD & Circadian Rhythms:

It Starts in the Eyes: Research suggests that the retina (the light-sensitive layer of the eye) thins in people with Parkinson’s.

This means less light signal reaches the brain, making the body's internal clock "dimmer" and less accurate.

It Affects Medication Efficacy: Your body's ability to absorb and use levodopa fluctuates based on your circadian rhythm.

This is why "morning off" periods can be so severe—the body’s rhythm hasn’t "woken up" the metabolic processes needed to handle the medication yet.

"Sundowning" Isn't Just for Alzheimer's: Because the rhythm is weak, many people with PD experience increased confusion, anxiety, or agitation in the late afternoon or early evening.

The brain loses its anchor as the sun goes down.

❓ Why does this matter?

Because fixing the rhythm can improve the symptoms. Strengthening that internal clock through routine and, crucially, light therapy, can help reduce daytime sleepiness, improve mood, and consolidate sleep at night.

Visit photopharmics.com to learn more about Parkinson's and symptom management.

01/08/2026

Diagnosed Under 50?
Why Young-Onset Parkinson’s is a Different Journey.

Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis is life-altering. But getting that news in your 30s or 40s feels like an interruption of your prime years.

Young-Onset Parkinson’s (YOPD) isn't just "Parkinson's but earlier."

It comes with a unique biological and emotional landscape. Unlike late-onset PD, YOPD often progresses slower, meaning you will live with the condition for decades.

This creates a unique challenge known as the "Levodopa Dilemma"—the need to balance symptom relief today while trying to delay medication side effects (like dyskinesia) for the future.

What to Look For (It’s Not Always a Tremor): In younger patients, the classic tremor is often absent at the start. Instead, look for:

— Dystonia: Painful muscle cramping, often like a foot turning inward.

— Rigidity: A stiffness in limbs that limits range of motion.

— The "Invisible" Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, and fatigue are often the earliest signs and can be more disruptive than the physical ones.

— The Silver Lining: Because you are younger, your brain has more plasticity. "Exercise as medicine" isn't just a saying; high-intensity cardio is neuroprotective and can help slow the progression.

A diagnosis is a turning point, not a conclusion.

We’ve put together a comprehensive roadmap for resilience—covering everything from genetic links and workplace disclosure to the latest non-invasive research like the Celeste (Light for PD) trial.

Read the full guide to navigating your journey here: 👉 https://photopharmics.com/young-onset-parkinsons-navigating-your-journey-after-an-early-diagnosis/

01/07/2026

When "Just Making It" Is Your Greatest Achievement 🏆

The end of the year brings a flood of "Highlight Reels."

Social media fills with people sharing their biggest promotions, travels, and transformations.

But for families navigating Parkinson’s, looking back on 2025 might feel very different.

If you are sitting there thinking, "I didn't conquer anything this year; I just survived it," we have one message for you:

Surviving is an act of defiance.

In the world of chronic, progressive illness, "maintenance" is a massive achievement.

It is time we rewrite the definition of success for the PD community.

Biologically, Parkinson’s is an energy thief.

Due to rigidity and tremor, the simple act of moving your body burns significantly more calories and requires more cognitive focus than it does for a healthy person.

The Fact: You are essentially running a micro-marathon just to get through daily tasks.

If you maintained your baseline this year, you didn't "stand still"—you fought a current that was trying to pull you back. That isn't passivity. That is strength.

For the Caregivers: This post is for you, too.

You survived a year of medication alarms, doctor appointments, and the emotional weight of "Ambiguous Loss"—the psychological term for grieving the loss of a person who is still physically present.

If you kept the ship afloat this year, even if you felt like you were sinking, you are a hero.

A New Perspective for 2026 Society praises expansion (doing more).

We praise endurance (keeping going).

You are still here. You are still trying. You are still loving. Do not let the world tell you that isn't enough. It is everything.

Who helped you get through this year?

Tag your "survival partner" below to say thank you. 👇

01/06/2026

Parkinson’s Non-Motor Symptoms: The "Invisible" Struggle Explained

When we talk about Parkinson’s, the conversation almost always starts with movement: tremors, stiffness, and slowness.

But for the millions living with PD, the battle is often fought on a completely different front—one that friends and family can’t always see.

These are called Non-Motor Symptoms, and they are not just "side effects." They are a core part of the disease progression.

➡️ Here is what you need to know about the "Invisible" Parkinson’s:

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative condition that affects dopamine levels. However, dopamine doesn't just regulate movement; it regulates mood, sleep, digestion, and pain perception.

When these levels drop, the entire system feels the impact.

➡️ 3 Facts Most People Don't Know:

They Can Appear Years Before the Diagnosis: Long before a tremor ever appears, many people experience "prodromal" symptoms.

❓ The most common early warning signs?

A loss of smell (hyposmia) and severe constipation.

They Often Impact Quality of Life More Than Motor Symptoms:

Studies consistently show that issues like depression, anxiety, and sleep fragmentation are the leading causes of disability and hospitalization for people with PD—not the shaking.

The "Dizzy" Spells Are Real: It’s called Orthostatic Hypotension.

PD can affect the autonomic nervous system, causing blood pressure to drop suddenly when standing up.

It’s not just "getting old"; it’s a symptom that needs management.

Common Non-Motor Symptoms to Watch For:

— Cognitive Changes: "Brain fog" or slower processing speeds.

— Mood Disorders: Apathy (lack of motivation) and anxiety.

— Sleep Issues: Acting out vivid dreams (RBD) or insomnia.

— Pain: Unexplained aches or burning sensations in limbs.

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step to treating them. You are not "complaining" or "imagining things"—these are real, physiological symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Have you experienced a symptom that surprised you?

Share your story below to help others feel less alone. 👇

01/05/2026

The part of Parkinson’s disease that no one sees

When most people hear the words Parkinson’s disease, they immediately picture a tremor.

It is the most recognized symbol of the condition.

But for those living with it, the shaking hand is often just the tip of the iceberg.

Beneath the surface lies a complex web of non-motor symptoms that can be far more disruptive to daily life than the movement issues.

These are the invisible struggles that friends, neighbors, and even family members might miss.

While the world focuses on the physical changes, the internal reality can look very different.

First, there is the sleep. Or rather, the lack of it. Many people battle insomnia, vivid acting-out of dreams, or excessive daytime sleepiness that makes it hard to stay engaged.

Then there is the mood. Anxiety and depression in Parkinson’s are not just reactions to the diagnosis; they are often caused by the chemical changes happening in the brain.

The same lack of dopamine that affects movement also affects joy and motivation, leading to apathy.

Other invisible passengers include the loss of smell, soft speech, sudden drops in blood pressure, and overwhelming fatigue that feels like a battery draining instantly.

If you love someone with Parkinson’s, remember that just because they are moving well today does not mean they are feeling well.

The battle is often internal. Validation and patience are the best gifts you can give.

Understanding the full scope of this condition is the first step toward better management and better empathy.

We have compiled deep-dive resources on these non-motor symptoms to help you navigate the journey.

Visit photopharmics.com to learn more about the full spectrum of Parkinson’s and associated symptoms.

01/02/2026

Parkinson's is NOT Just "The Shaking Disease." Let’s Bust 5 PD Myths.

If you ask a stranger what Parkinson’s looks like, they usually describe an elderly person with a trembling hand. But that image is only a fraction of the story.

The media has painted a narrow picture of PD for decades. Today, we are widening the lens.

Here are 5 myths we need to stop believing:

MYTH 1: "If you don’t shake, you don’t have Parkinson’s." THE TRUTH: Approximately 30% of people do not experience tremors at diagnosis. For many, the battle is invisible. The "Non-Motor Symptoms"—like chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and fatigue—are often reported as more debilitating than the movement issues.

MYTH 2: "It only affects the elderly." THE TRUTH: While risk increases with age, Young-Onset Parkinson’s (YOPD) is real. People in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are diagnosed every day. These are parents, active professionals, and athletes. PD does not check your ID before arriving.

MYTH 3: "They look bored or unhappy, so they must be checked out." THE TRUTH: This is Hypomimia (Facial Masking). PD stiffens facial muscles, making it hard to smile or show surprise. It’s not apathy; it’s a motor control issue. The person behind the "mask" is feeling just as deeply as ever.

MYTH 4: "Medicine fixes the symptoms completely." THE TRUTH: If only it were that simple. PD medication (Levodopa) doesn't work like Tylenol for a headache. Patients deal with "On/Off" periods—windows where the medication works, followed by sudden "crashes" where symptoms return before the next dose. It is a daily rollercoaster, not a flat road.

MYTH 5: "A diagnosis is a death sentence." THE TRUTH: Parkinson’s itself is not fatal. You die with Parkinson’s, not from it. With the right management, exercise, and lifestyle changes, many people live meaningful, active lives for decades after diagnosis. It is a different life, but it is not the end of life.

Knowledge creates empathy. Next time you see someone moving differently, remember: there is a whole iceberg underneath the surface.

Did any of these facts surprise you? Let us know below!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! Here is to Walking Into 2026 at Your Own Pace.

The calendar has flipped.

The confetti has settled.

And here we are—standing at the starting line of another year.

For many in the Parkinson’s community, a "New Year" brings mixed emotions. There is the hope of new research and better days, but there is also the quiet apprehension of the unknown.

How will I feel this year? Will things change?

So today, we want to offer a different kind of resolution: Radical Presence.

Instead of focusing on how far you need to go in 2026, let’s focus on how you show up today.

This year, may you find:

✨ Grace for the fluctuations. Some days you will feel like a superhero; other days you will need to rest. Both versions of you are worthy of love.

✨ Strength in the small wins. Whether it’s buttoning a shirt, taking a walk, or simply laughing with a friend—these are the victories that matter.

✨Courage to ask for help. Independence is precious, but interdependence is powerful.

Letting others support you is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

Remember, Parkinson’s is a journey that is not meant to be traveled alone. Look around at this community.

We are all walking this path alongside you—sometimes stumbling, sometimes sprinting, but always moving forward together.

Thank you for being part of our family. We are rooting for you, fighting for you, and celebrating you every step of the way.

Let’s set a collective intention. What is ONE word you want to define your 2026? (e.g., Balance, Joy, Strength, Rest).

Drop yours below! 👇

12/31/2025

If you are living with Parkinson’s, a good night’s sleep can often feel like a distant memory.

💤 Studies show that up to 90% of people with PD experience sleep disturbances.

But why does this happen?

It is important to understand that sleep issues are not just a side effect of aging—they are a core part of the condition.

The Science: A Broken Clock Parkinson’s affects the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that acts as your body’s "master clock."

This disrupts your circadian rhythm (your internal 24-hour cycle).

Without a strong signal from this clock, your body gets confused about when to release melatonin (for sleep) and cortisol (for wakefulness).

This leads to common issues like:

— Sleep Fragmentation: Waking up frequently throughout the night.

— REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): Acting out vivid dreams because the body doesn’t paralyze muscles during sleep.

— Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling exhausted when you should be alert.

💡What You Can Do (The Toolkit)?

While you cannot change the diagnosis, you can strengthen your body's sleep signals.

1. Light as Medicine Since your internal clock is drifting, you need to anchor it. Get 20–30 minutes of bright light exposure immediately upon waking.

This signals your brain that the day has started, which helps build "sleep pressure" for the night.

2. The "Satin Sheet" Hack If rigidity makes it hard to turn over in bed, causing you to wake up, switch to satin sheets or pajamas.

The reduced friction makes moving easier and requires less effort.

3. Watch the "Nap Trap" Excessive daytime sleepiness is real, but long naps steal sleep from the night. If you must nap, keep it under 20 minutes and before 2:00 PM.

4. Review Medications Some PD medications can be stimulating. Talk to your neurologist about timing your doses to ensure they aren't keeping you wired at bedtime.

Sleep is essential for clearing toxins from the brain. Prioritizing it is one of the best ways to protect your brain health.

Visit photopharmics.com to learn more about how light therapy can help regulate sleep cycles in Parkinson's.

12/30/2025

A Year of Strength: Celebrating the Victories No One Else Sees

As 2025 comes to a close, social media is flooded with "Highlight Reels"—big vacations, career promotions, and marathon finish lines.

But in the Parkinson’s community, we measure victory differently. We know that true strength isn't always loud. Sometimes, it is the quiet determination to simply keep moving.

This year, we are celebrating the "Small" Victories. Because when you live with a progressive condition, these moments aren't small—they are monumental.

Maybe your victory this year was:

✅ The Motor Win: Buttoning your shirt without help, even if it took five minutes.

✅ The Sleep Win: Finally getting a solid 6-hour stretch of rest after weeks of fragmentation.

✅ The Social Win: Going out to dinner despite the anxiety of tremors or facial masking.

✅ The Emotional Win: Finally accepting help from a caregiver without feeling guilty.

Strength isn’t just about fighting the diagnosis; it’s about navigating life with it.

It’s showing up to the boxing class when your fatigue is screaming at you to stay in bed. It’s finding a way to laugh when the symptoms are frustrating.

"Holding your ground" is a victory. In a world obsessed with "more, faster, better," we honor the profound effort it takes just to maintain your baseline.

If you are still here, still trying, and still hoping—you have had a successful year.

We want to fill this comments section with real wins.

What is ONE "small" victory you are proud of from 2025? Tell us below so we can cheer you on. 👇

12/29/2025

When you are first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the most overwhelming symptom isn't the tremor or the stiffness. It is the isolation.

It’s the feeling that suddenly, you are speaking a different language than everyone else.

You try to explain to friends why you are "freezing" in a doorway or why you feel anxious about a dinner reservation, and they nod politely—but they don't really get it.

This is why Peer Support isn't just a "nice to have." It is a vital part of your treatment plan.

How Community Changes the Game:

1. The "Me Too" Moment

There is a profound biological relief in hearing someone say, "Oh yeah, that happens to me too."

Whether it’s acting out dreams or struggling with buttons, realizing your weirdest symptoms are actually normal for PD reduces anxiety instantly.

2. The Practical Wisdom Doctors know the medication, but other patients know the life hacks.

"Use satin sheets to make turning over in bed easier."

"Take your meds with a cracker to stop the nausea."

"Here is how I explain my tremor to my grandkids." This is wisdom you can't find in a textbook.

3. The Motivation Multiplier Research shows that people who exercise in groups show better adherence and results.

When your motivation is low (hello, apathy), seeing your "Parkie" friends showing up to the boxing gym drags you out the door, too.

You were never meant to carry this weight alone. If you haven't found a support group yet—whether online or in your local community—make 2026 the year you find your tribe.

Tag a friend who has been a source of strength for you, or drop a if you are grateful for this community.

12/26/2025

Joy, Overwhelm & Parkinson’s: Navigating Big Emotions This Season

The holiday season brings a mix of feelings—joy, excitement, connection… but also noise, pressure, fatigue, and overwhelm.

For people living with Parkinson’s, these emotional swings can feel even stronger.

And if you’ve noticed yourself (or your loved one) feeling “off” during this time, you’re not alone.

Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect movement.

It affects how the brain processes emotions, stress, and sensory input.

So big seasons can naturally bring big feelings.

Here’s how to understand—and gently navigate—the emotional highs and lows 👇

➡️ Joy is real—but so is exhaustion

Moments of happiness can coexist with tiredness. Bright lights, routines changing, and social events can drain energy faster than usual.

➡️ Overwhelm can happen without warning

Crowds, noise, or fast conversations may trigger freezing, anxiety, irritability, or a sudden desire to withdraw. It’s the brain protecting itself, not a personal failure.

➡️ Expectations can add pressure

Trying to “keep up,” be social, or match last year’s celebrations can feel heavy.

Remember: it’s okay to adjust traditions to fit your comfort.

Here are gentle, practical ways to make the season emotionally easier:

✔️ Protect your calm

Choose quieter gatherings, visit during less busy hours, or keep celebrations shorter. Peace is not only allowed—it’s healthy.

✔️ Create small emotional breaks

Step into another room, take deep breaths, or sit with warm tea for a few minutes. Mini resets help the nervous system settle.

✔️ Communicate openly

Let loved ones know what might trigger stress or when you need rest. You don’t have to push through discomfort.

✔️ Celebrate small joys

A warm conversation, a slow walk, a favorite winter snack—tiny moments count.

This season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Gentle emotions are just as valid as joyful ones.

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.