(My comments are at the end of this post.)

To summarize the press release:
Human testing of the ground-breaking infra-red treatment on the brain is due to start this summer and medical experts hope this will halt and even reverse the effects of dementia.
Experts claim that early stage dementia patients should see an improvement in their cognitive function within four weeks, by wearing a lightweight helmet in their home for just ten minutes a day.
The low levels of infra-red light used are completely safe and occur naturally in sunlight. They are currently being used in innovative new machines for the treatment of cold sores, which have been approved for prescription by the NHS [Britain's National Health Service].
([The cold sore treatment] relies on boosting the cells within the body responsible for killing the virus, rather than attacking it.)
Dr Dougal said: “As we get older, cells stop repairing themselves and we age because our cells lose the desire to regenerate and repair themselves. This ultimately results in cell death and decline of the organ functions, for the brain resulting in memory decay and deterioration in general intellectual performance.
“But what if there was a technology that told the cells to repair themselves and that technology was something as simple as a specific wavelength of light? Near infrared light penetrates human tissues relatively well, even penetrating the human skull, just as sunlight passes through frosted glass.”
The core team: Dr Abdel Ennaceur, Dr Paul Chazot, Dr Gordon Dougal. University of Sunderland (north-east England), and Virulite – a medical research company.
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Jonathon’s Comments:
I’m not sure how this technology is better than being in sunlight. Perhaps the infrared radiation is more precise and intense than the infrared we receive through sunlight. If not, this technology is a waste of money, but the research is valuable – it further proves what people already ‘know’ – getting outdoors is revitalizing. In 3 words: sunlight regenerates cells. [Update: I found [the] answer to the above – as detailed in my 2nd comment below.]
I don’t know: does infrared radiation from the sun pass through windows? through walls? (It does pass through bone.)
Coincidentally, another University of Sunderland professor was the original producer of CBC TV’s Moving On, which featured our story. Since the Executive Director of Carers UK saw a presentation we did at an international health care conference and became, well, one of our #1 fans, perhaps we will present in England, but we are committed to efficient tours, so we would want an intense itinerary in multiple locations. I’ll focus locally, for now.
6 Comments | Edit | Quote|
Posted: Feb 12th, 2008 at 12:26pm Location: Phone: Other: |
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I have a 15 year old brain injured son. He has Dravats, which is a severe degenerative form of epilepsy. Medication is almost useless. I am very interested in the infrared brain therapy. How can I contact the people in charge of this program to get more information? I would be very interested in clinical trials. We have traveled the globe for answers. We leave no stone unturned. Thanks for your help. Jim |
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Posted: Feb 29th, 2008 at 6:47am Location: Phone: Other: |
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I have a 15 year old son who was in a car accident May 2007. He has been diagnosed with Tramatic Brain Injury (TBI) and is unresponsive. I have been trying to find out how to get involved in this Infra-Red study. No Luck. If anyone has more information, Please Post. Thank You,
Ann
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Posted: Mar 10th, 2008 at 11:11am Location: Phone: Other: |
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Dear Ann I am so touched by your story about your son. I have a son who also was once healthy and active. Fifteen years ago, following a soccer injury in his groin, he began a downward descent into a crippling pain condition which has rendered him unable to walk or speak, with an atrophied right leg and purple foot. This athletic young man shrunk to 96 pounds. I know that your story is different from my story – for one thing, I understand your son is in a condition like a coma – but I hope that something in my story may be meaningful for you. My son was in so much pain I couldn’t touch him. No specific diagnosis. No medical treatment other than meds to reduce pain and depression. Three years ago it looked like his ‘failure to thrive’ condition was going to kill him. It was at that time I began a theatre project with my performing partner Jonathon to try to shed light on our caregiving homes. (Jonathon cares for his mom who has Alzheimer’s.) It was through the theatre process of ‘Heal Thyself’ that I was able to make a decision. I decided that I had to let go of needing Kirk (my son) to get well. I realized that my whole relationship with him was based on his sickness and that I was actually separating myself from him in my quest to find a medical answer. I finally decided to accept him as a whole person in his condition, and to love him just as he was. It didn’t mean that I was no longer open to finding help. It just meant that I was no longer putting his wellness as a condition for my acceptance of him. With that decision I began to talk with him about other things. I was able to bring a more peaceful energy to our time together. I slowed down so that we could develop a sparse communication system. It was a very slow shift, but it has transformed our relationship, and miracle of miracles, there has been a significant measure of healing. First of all, I have healed from a frantic, guilt laden, depressed mother into one who is relaxed and enjoying Kirk for who he is now. A small but significant example is that we discovered a ‘thumb hug’ which satisfies the need for physical touch. Kirk now communicates to me how he feels and I give the space and time for him to do that. Kirk also has gradually been able to eat more. He now weighs a whopping 120 pounds! He can sit up for more than the 5 or 6 minutes that was his maximum 3 years ago. He also has begun to open up his social network to a couple of friends who remember what he was like, and are still able to see that creative well person. They sit and chat with him and they learn together. Although he can’t hold his guitar now, he is giving guidance to a friend who is wanting to learn. He is even teaching me! I am saying all this to encourage you to activate and free the love you have for your son so you can find new ways that make sense for you to express your love for him. In doing this myself, I discovered a world of creativity and joy in showing my love for Kirk in these new ways. I looked at what was tearing me apart in this very difficult situation, and I knew I needed healing for myself. I know the machines cannot measure any response from your son, but who knows the power of the heart to heal? I believe that at some hidden level, your son will feel it. My heart goes to you as you continue to navigate through this new world you have entered with your son following the car accident. Research what you can, and try whatever is possible, then, as you can, let it go. Do not invest your life in the success of devices outside yourself. Take a good long look at your beautiful son and a good long look at yourself. How you want to experience the time you have? I’m sure your son would love to hear your laughter again. Please forgive me if any of this sounds easy or preachy. I know how difficult this is, and your situation is more challenging than mine. But a mother’s dreams for her son do not include what either you or I have experienced. We need help. I was fortunate to be able to bring my tears and anguish to the ‘Heal Thyself’ creative team. My mindset needed a major change and I was fortunate enough to find the people who helped me do this. Blessings to you both and any other members of your family who are trying to grow in your new life together. Carlynn |
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Posted: Nov 25th, 2010 at 12:20am Location: Phone: Other: |
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Anyone know the results of any study on this device? I’m an electrical engineer, I can make one of these devices easily. californiamartin@yahoo.com |