Parkinson’s Iceberg: The Non-Motor Symptoms You Don’t See

Introduction

“My father experienced hallucinations and delusions, and at the time, we didn’t realize these symptoms were part of his Parkinson’s disease. My mom tried to shield my family and carry the burden alone each day. I wish l’d known there was more to Parkinson’s than motor symptoms, which is why l’m encouraging people and families affected by Parkinson’s to talk early and often about hallucinations and delusions.”

This heartfelt reflection by actor and advocate Ryan Reynolds highlights an often-overlooked reality: Parkinson’s disease is far more than tremors and motor issues. 

While most of us recognize Parkinson’s disease for its visible motor symptoms, these are merely “the tip of the PD iceberg.” 

Beneath the surface lies a host of non-motor symptoms—such as hallucinations, delusions, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and cognitive changes—that can profoundly affect the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.

Parkinson's Iceberg

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the non-motor aspects of Parkinson’s disease, learn why they occur, and provide practical insights for managing these symptoms effectively. 

Understanding the full picture of Parkinson’s is key to fostering better care, awareness, and support for those affected.

What are The Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often recognized for its motor symptoms, such as tremors and stiffness. However, an equally significant aspect of PD is its non-motor symptoms, which can profoundly impact daily life. 

These symptoms can precede motor signs by years, making early identification crucial. 

Here’s a breakdown of the common non-motor symptoms, what they entail, why they occur, and their impact:

Cognitive and Emotional Challenges

  • Cognitive Impairment: Issues like memory loss, slower thinking (bradyphrenia), and difficulty multitasking occur as Parkinson’s affects brain regions controlling cognition. Over time, this can progress to mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

Impact of cognitive symptoms

  • Depression and Anxiety: Changes in brain chemistry, particularly dopamine levels, can trigger mood disorders. These conditions often begin early and can significantly affect quality of life.
  • Hallucinations and Delusions: Hallucinations involve seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, while delusions are false beliefs. These symptoms are often associated with long-term use of Parkinson’s medications or disease progression.
  • Apathy: A lack of motivation that may be mistaken for intentional behavior but stems from neurological changes. It can significantly impact not only the person living with PD but also their loved ones. Apathy manifests in three ways:

— Cognitive: Reduced curiosity or interest in new things.

— Emotional: A lack of passion or reaction to events or news that would normally spark emotions.

— Behavioral: Difficulty starting activities and needing prompts to complete tasks.

Apathy in Parkinson's

Sensory and Autonomic Symptoms

  • Skin and Sweating: Excessive sweating or oily skin is common due to overactive sweat glands. Dry skin can also occur in some individuals.
  • Loss of Smell: Often one of the first signs of Parkinson’s, this is linked to early degeneration of specific brain cells.
  • Pain and Tingling: Nerve dysfunction or rigidity can cause discomfort in various parts of the body.
  • Rigidity: Stiffness throughout the body or in specific areas can lead to discomfort and restricted movement, often mistaken for normal aging.
  • Autonomic Dysfunctions:
    • Constipation: Impaired digestion due to slowed gut movement.
    • Urinary Issues: A frequent need to urinate or incontinence caused by bladder muscle dysfunction.
    • Lightheadedness: Sudden drops in blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension).
    • Sweating and Salivation: Overactive glands leading to excessive sweating or drooling.

Speech and Communication Issues

  • Speech Problems: Many individuals experience reduced voice volume (hypophonia), monotone speech, or difficulty articulating words. This results from the reduced coordination of muscles involved in speaking.

Fatigue and Sleep Problems

  • Chronic Fatigue: Often caused by disrupted sleep cycles, low dopamine levels, or medication side effects.
  • Sleep Disturbances: These include difficulty falling asleep, vivid dreams, or REM sleep behavior disorder.

How To Manage Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s?

While it’s true that Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, it doesn’t mean its progression cannot be delayed or its symptoms managed.

What does this mean?

Although you cannot eliminate Parkinson’s, you can slow down its progression and reduce its impact on your physical and mental health. This can be achieved by adopting certain lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and ensuring good sleep hygiene or taking targeted treatments.

Taking proactive steps can help you improve your quality of life and empower you to manage your condition better.

Cognitive and Emotional Challenges

Managing cognitive and emotional challenges in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) involves a multi-faceted approach that combines professional therapies and everyday strategies to enhance mental well-being and daily functionality.

Treatment Options and Tips:

  • Cognitive Remediation Therapy

This therapy focuses on teaching individuals alternative ways to manage memory or thinking problems by leveraging their cognitive strengths. It is particularly effective for those with mild cognitive deficits. Neuropsychologists or speech-language pathologists often conduct these sessions in a supportive environment, helping both individuals and caregivers apply practical strategies for daily tasks. While it doesn’t reverse cognitive challenges, it equips individuals with tools to improve their quality of life.

  • Behavioral Strategies

Simple environmental changes can reduce cognitive stress and confusion. Decluttering living spaces minimizes distractions while using nightlights can prevent disorientation during nighttime. Establishing a structured daily routine provides clarity and stability, which can help manage issues like impulsivity and difficulties with communication.

By incorporating these treatments and strategies, individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers can navigate cognitive and emotional hurdles more effectively, fostering a sense of control and improving overall quality of life.

Sensory and Autonomic Symptoms

  • Sweating: Excessive sweating can be managed by adjusting carbidopa-levodopa doses under medical guidance. Lukewarm showers, lightweight clothing, and staying hydrated are practical tips to reduce discomfort, while severe cases may benefit from prescribed medications. 
  • Skin Issues: For dry or flaky skin, washing with warm water, using unscented glycerin soap, and applying moisturizers can help. Persistent issues like dandruff may require medicated shampoos or dermatological advice.
  • Loss of Smell: No specific treatment is available, but monitoring dietary intake can help if appetite changes. Focus on balanced nutrition and seek guidance on maintaining a healthy weight if smell impacts eating habits.
  • Pain and Tingling: To reduce stiffness, address nerve dysfunction through tailored exercises, such as stretching or yoga. Speak to your doctor about medications or therapies to effectively manage chronic pain. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, some therapies used to manage the condition include Deep Brain stimulation (DBS), Botulinum Injections (Botox®), and surgery.
  • Autonomic Dysfunctions:
    • Constipation: To manage constipation effectively, incorporate a diet rich in fiber, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Staying hydrated is equally important—aim to drink 48 to 64 ounces of water daily, and consider warm liquids in the morning to help stimulate digestion. Regular physical activity can further support healthy bowel function. If these measures aren’t sufficient, consult your doctor about adding fiber supplements or stool softeners to your routine.
    • Urinary Issues: Monitor fluid intake to avoid overhydration while managing urgency. Discuss bladder training or medications with your doctor for better control.
    • Lightheadedness: Stand up slowly to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure. Increase salt and water intake under medical supervision and wear compression stockings if advised by your doctor.

Speech and Swallowing Issues

Speech and swallowing challenges in Parkinson’s disease can be effectively managed through targeted therapies. 

Managing Speech Issues

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a critical role by tailoring exercises to improve vocal strength, clarity, and swallowing function. Evidence-based programs such as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) and Parkinson Voice Project SPEAK OUT! offer specialized support. For additional aid, assistive devices like voice amplifiers and exercises for articulation, posture, and breathing can enhance communication. 

Further, maintaining hydration, practicing daily vocal exercises, and reducing background noise are key strategies to manage speech problems. Scheduling speech therapy early can help prevent worsening symptoms, and communication tools can support interactions.

Managing Swallowing Issues

Swallowing difficulties often benefit from dietary adjustments, such as softer food textures or thicker liquids, and exercises like expiratory muscle strength training, guided by an SLP.

Additionally, consulting an SLP for evaluation and following their recommendations, including modified diets and muscle training, ensures safer and more efficient eating to manage swallowing problems. Regular follow-ups and tailored interventions help improve quality of life.

Fatigue and Sleep Problems

Sleep challenges in Parkinson’s disease can often be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication. 

  • Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, and ensuring a cool, dark sleeping environment can improve sleep quality. 
  • Daily outdoor activity and morning exercise help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, while light therapy can assist those unable to get outdoors. 
  • Limiting screen time and stimulating substances like caffeine before bed, as well as reducing fluid intake in the evening, can also minimize nighttime disruptions. 
  • For turning difficulties, satin sheets and pajamas or lightweight quilts are recommended.

Medical interventions can address specific issues like urinary frequency or medication side effects affecting sleep. 

Doctors may prescribe medications such as oxybutynin or tolterodine for bladder-related disturbances (according to Parkinson’s Foundation), or antidepressants like mirtazapine for sleep support, though individual responses vary.

Consulting a sleep specialist or urologist for tailored treatments is advised. Avoiding anxiety-inducing activities and late-night heavy meals further supports restful sleep, ensuring better management of PD-related sleep concerns.

Be Part of the Light Against Parkinson’s: Participate in the Light for PD Clinical Trial

Join Light For PD Trial

Managing Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be overwhelming, with many individuals experiencing persistent non-motor symptoms even after medications or surgeries.

PhotoPharmics is at the forefront of exploring innovative, non-invasive therapies to address these challenges. Our Light for PD clinical trial focuses on evaluating the Celeste therapeutic light device, designed to offer new hope for those living with PD.

This six-month, home-based study welcomes participants aged 45 and older with a Parkinson’s diagnosis and provides up to $500 for full participation.

By joining, you’ll contribute to groundbreaking research that could transform PD care while discovering a therapy with the potential to enhance your quality of life.

Check your eligibility today—let’s illuminate a brighter future together!

An Overview of Parkinson’s Disease

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system and progressively worsens over time. 

While motor symptoms—such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement—are often the most observable and commonly associated with the condition, Parkinson’s encompasses a broader spectrum of challenges. 

Non-motor symptoms (NMS), including anxiety, depression, apathy, and sleep disturbances, can occur early in the disease’s course, sometimes even before motor symptoms appear. Together, these symptoms profoundly impact the daily lives of those with Parkinson’s.

Currently, there is no cure available to treat the disease; however, medicines, therapies, and certain lifestyle changes may help you manage and slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. 

5 stages of parkinson's

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s symptoms are typically categorized into two types: motor (movement) and non-motor (non-movement) symptoms. Both play significant roles in shaping the overall experience of living with PD.

Motor Symptoms

Motor symptoms arise from the brain’s reduced ability to regulate movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells. These symptoms can vary in severity but often have a significant impact on daily life. 

Here’s an overview of key motor symptoms:

  • Tremor: Tremor is one of the hallmark symptoms of PD, typically beginning in the hands or fingers and occasionally affecting the foot or jaw. It is most noticeable when the person is at rest or under stress. A common sign is the “pill-rolling” motion, where the thumb and forefinger rub together rhythmically. Interestingly, the tremor usually subsides during sleep or purposeful movements.
  • Slowed Movement: Bradykinesia, or the slowing of spontaneous movement, can make routine tasks like dressing, showering, or eating much harder. Activities that were once quick and effortless may become prolonged and laborious. Additionally, facial expressions might diminish, leading to a “masked face” appearance.
  • Balance or Posture Problems: Postural instability and balance issues are common in PD, leading to a stooped posture and a higher risk of falls. Individuals may develop a distinctive “Parkinsonian gait,” characterized by quick, shuffling steps (festination) and reduced arm swing. Freezing of movement, where a person temporarily feels stuck in place, can also occur.
  • Small Hand-Writing: Micrographia, or abnormally small handwriting, often becomes evident in individuals with PD. Letters may appear cramped and harder to read, reflecting the motor difficulties associated with fine hand movements.
  • Muscle Stiffness or Rigidity: Rigidity affects most people with PD, causing muscles to remain tense and resistant to movement. This can lead to discomfort, aches, and reduced range of motion. When another person attempts to move the arm or leg, it may move in short, jerky motions, often referred to as “cogwheel rigidity.”

Non-Motor Symptoms

Non-motor symptoms often emerge early, sometimes years before motor symptoms, and significantly impact emotional, mental, and physical well-being. 

The non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s include:

  • Mental Health Issues (Anxiety/Depression): Parkinson’s affects more than just movement; it also deeply influences mental well-being. Many individuals experience anxiety and depression. Anxiety manifests as uncontrollable worry, while depression can lead to sadness, loss of energy, and decreased interest in daily activities. These mood disturbances are not just a response to the diagnosis but a part of the disease itself, rooted in changes within the brain.
  • Digestion Problem: Constipation and other digestive issues are common due to the slowing of the digestive tract caused by Parkinson’s. This can make it harder for individuals to maintain proper nutrition and can lead to discomfort if not managed effectively.
  • Sleep Problem: Sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep, restless nights, or excessive daytime sleepiness, are prevalent in Parkinson’s. Conditions like REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams) can disrupt rest and pose safety risks. Some sleep issues may be linked to medications or the disease itself.
  • Loss of Smell: Loss of smell is one of the earliest signs of Parkinson’s, often occurring years before motor symptoms. This can affect appetite, as the sense of smell is closely tied to taste and enjoyment of food.
  • Urinary Issues: Parkinson’s can disrupt autonomic functions, leading to frequent urination, incontinence, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Constipation is also common due to slowed digestive processes. These issues can significantly affect daily life and require tailored management strategies.
  • Speech Problem: Changes in speech, such as a soft or monotone voice, are often noted in people with PD. Some may experience difficulty articulating words clearly or find it challenging to speak at an appropriate volume, which can make communication harder.
  • Cognitive Issues: Parkinson’s disease can significantly impact emotional well-being and cognitive function. Apathy, or a lack of motivation, is common and may affect daily activities. Cognitive issues range from mild difficulties, like trouble concentrating, to more severe problems, such as dementia. These changes can interfere with social interactions, work, and overall quality of life, making early intervention and management crucial.
  • Swallowing or chewing problem: In the later stages of Parkinson’s, swallowing and chewing can become challenging due to weakened muscle control. Food or saliva may accumulate in the throat, increasing the risk of choking or drooling. These difficulties can lead to nutritional deficiencies, necessitating dietary modifications or medical intervention.

Both motor and non-motor symptoms are critical to understanding Parkinson’s as a whole, as they collectively shape the experience of those living with the condition. Recognizing and addressing both types is essential for effective management.

Parkinson's symptoms

What Causes Parkinson’s?

The exact cause of Parkinson’s remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

1. Genetic Factors

Genetic mutations contribute to 10-15% of Parkinson’s cases. Specific gene variations, like LRRK2 or SNCA, are linked to a higher risk, but most cases are not directly caused by a single mutation. Genetic research continues to explore these connections for better prevention and treatment strategies.

2. Environmental Exposures

Exposure to pesticides, traumatic head injuries, or certain toxins has been associated with increased PD risk. However, many people with such exposures do not develop Parkinson’s, suggesting other contributing factors are involved.

3. Aging

Aging is the most significant risk factor. Most diagnoses occur after age 60, though early-onset Parkinson’s can appear in younger individuals.

4. Brain Changes

The disease involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a brain area crucial for movement control. This neuronal loss leads to Parkinson’s symptoms.

PD arises from a complex interplay of factors, and ongoing research is vital to understanding its causes and progression.

Science Behind Parkinson's

Who Can Get Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, predominantly affects older adults. While the exact cause remains elusive, certain factors can elevate the risk of developing this condition. 

Age and gender play significant roles, with the risk increasing with age and men being more susceptible. Environmental factors, such as long-term exposure to pesticides and heavy metals, can also contribute to the risk. 

Additionally, genetic factors, particularly a family history of Parkinson’s and specific gene mutations, can increase susceptibility. 

Other risk factors include REM sleep behavior disorder and traumatic brain injury. It’s crucial to note that while these factors can influence the risk, not everyone with these factors will develop Parkinson’s.

Parkinson's Risk factors

Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson’s

While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, understanding the diagnostic process and treatment options is crucial for managing the condition effectively.

Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease

Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease (PD) involves a comprehensive evaluation by a neurologist. There’s no single definitive test, but a combination of methods helps identify the characteristic symptoms. 

The neurologist reviews the patient’s medical history, conducts a neurological examination to assess motor skills and cognitive function, and may order specialized tests. 

Brain imaging techniques like MRI and DaTscan can provide valuable insights into brain structure and function. A careful evaluation of how symptoms respond to medications like levodopa can also aid in diagnosis.

Parkinson's Available Diagnosis

Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. 

Medication plays a crucial role, with dopamine replacement therapy being the cornerstone. Medications like levodopa increase dopamine levels in the brain, while other drugs mimic its effects or slow its breakdown. 

In addition to medication, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound (FUS) may be considered for specific cases. 

Non-pharmacological therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, complement medical treatments by addressing mobility, daily living activities, and communication challenges.

The journey with Parkinson’s may be challenging, but with a strong support system and the right healthcare provider, you can navigate it more effectively. 

Surround yourself with loved ones who can provide emotional and practical support, and explore the wealth of resources available to help make living with Parkinson’s easier and more manageable.

Join the Light in the Fight Against Parkinson’s

Join Light For PD Trial

Living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can be challenging. While medications and surgeries offer some relief, many individuals still face significant non-motor symptoms.

PhotoPharmics is pioneering a non-invasive approach to address these challenges. Our Light for PD clinical trial is seeking participants to evaluate the effectiveness of the Celeste therapeutic light device.

This six-month, at-home study is designed for people aged 45 and older with a Parkinson’s diagnosis and offers up to $500 for full participation.

By joining this clinical trial, you could help revolutionize care while exploring a therapy that might enhance your own well-being. 

Check your eligibility today—let’s brighten the future together!

How Parkinson’s Affects Sleep and Vice-Versa

When most people think of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), the first symptom to come to mind are physical tremors and other movement symptoms. However, most people with Parkinson’s experience a wide range of non-motor symptoms that can often be more disruptive to their daily lives. Several of the most common non-motor complaints are associated with sleep issues. We all need sleep for our bodies to revitalize and repair as well as for productive days. For people with PD, achieving regular, healthy sleep and staying alert the next day are among the many problems associated with the disease.

PhotoPharmics is finalizing plans for a clinical trial of our FDA Breakthrough therapeutic device, Celeste®, aiming to relieve non-motor symptoms for people with PD from specialized phototherapy.

Over 75 percent of people with PD report these issues. These can come from a variety of sources. Parkinson’s itself can cause sleep disruptions and contribute to daytime fatigue, while many PD medications can often aggravate these problems. This lack of restorative sleep can affect patients’ quality of life and also their bodies’ ability to manage PD. Daytime fatigue further impedes personal productivity and reduce social interactions.

The following is a list from Parkinsons.org of the most common sleep issues people with Parkinson’s face

  • Difficulty falling and staying asleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Talking or yelling out while asleep
  • Vivid dreaming
  • Leg movements, jerking, cramping (restless leg syndrome)
  • Difficulty turning over in bed
  • Waking up to go to the bathroom

Experts advocate several things that to help people with PD get a better night’s sleep. First, make your sleeping schedule consistent. Plan to get around eight hours of sleep a night. Go to bed around the same time each night and wake up (or get out of bed) at similar times in the morning. It can also help to have a bedtime routine (drinking water, brushing teeth, etc.) to help prepare your body for sleep.  

Second, night-time sleep quality can be affected by what you do during the day. Experts recommend daily exercise and spending time outside if possible. While this may be difficult for some, exposure to sunlight is also recommended. PhotoPharmics is finalizing plans for a pivotal clinical trial of our FDA Breakthrough therapeutic device, Celeste®. The aim of this trial is to confirm the high levels of relief for non-motor symptoms for people with PD from specialized phototherapy.

To learn more and receive updates about this clinical trial or other details about PhotoPharmics, visit photopharmics.com.

Care for the caregivers

“What would I do without my caregiver?”

Many people with Parkinson’s disease ask themselves some form of this question every single day. Caregivers come in all shapes and forms, but they all have one thing in common: The work they do is absolutely critical.

But it’s not an easy job. Far from it. Caring for someone else—especially those with severe or advanced cases of Parkinson’s disease—can be exhausting, draining and even overwhelming.

That’s why we want to take the time to celebrate National Caregivers Month and recognize and salute the outstanding caregivers all over the world.

“There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving is universal.”

– Rosalynn Carter, former United States First Lady

Caregivers take many forms: They are spouses and children, friends and family, medical professionals and volunteers. “In simple terms, a caregiver is a person who tends to the needs or concerns of a person with short- or long-term limitations due to illness, injury or disability,” say the experts at Hopkinsmedicine.org. They work full- or part-time, and they do many myriad indispensable tasks. Caregivers truly exemplify selflessness, as they often work without recognition, thanks or compensation.

Caregivers engage in tasks like (but not limited to) transportation, shopping, organization, planning, health monitoring, communicating with professionals, acting as advocates, assisting in getting up or active, doing housework, preparing meals, managing finances and so much more.

The need for a care team is vital.

According to MichaelJFox.org, “Care partners play a major role in the well-being of a person with Parkinson’s disease. Care partners take on many responsibilities, from accompanying a loved one to doctor appointments to managing more household responsibilities. For the most part, care partners do not need special medical training. What’s important is establishing a partnership — a mutual understanding of what kind of help with daily tasks and emotional support the person with Parkinson’s wants and needs as the disease impacts your routines and lives.”

And because caregivers are so intensely and consistently engaged, it can be easy for them to “burn out,” or feel so overwhelmed that they can no longer function at a high capacity.

That’s why it’s important for caregivers to remember to care for themselves as well.

Parkinson.org says, “Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own wellbeing. It is important to retain a meaningful relationship with yourself and manage your own self-care to effectively care for your loved one with Parkinson’s. Your needs are important, too!” After all, it would be impossible to offer care to someone else, when the caregiver is operating at a drastically limited capacity.

Here are some ways to practice self care:

  • Talk to a support group or trusted friend
  • Write about your feelings and struggles in a journal
  • Practice breath work and meditation
  • Get active—find a daily exercise routine

Being a caregiver is heroes’ work. But remember: Even heroes need a break every now and then.

For more information about being a caregiver, practicing selfcare or building a care network, visit Parkinson.org and MichaelJFox.org.

“Breaking Through the FDA” (Biosphere, 2021)

Innovative medical devices and diagnostics can get to patients and providers sooner under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Breakthrough Device Program. The program provides a special regulatory Breakthrough Device Designation for medical products that have the potential to more effectively treat or diagnose serious or life-threatening conditions. See the full article on page 19 >

Answering some common questions about PhotoPharmics

As a medical device company on the edge of a major breakthrough, we get a lot of questions from people who are curious about our work and mission. We love that so many are interested in our work! We truly believe we have the technology and experience to change the world.

To make things easy for those who would like to know more about PhotoPharmics, we decided to publish a list of some of the most common questions we get, along with our answers. Enjoy!

Q: What is PhotoPharmics?

A: PhotoPharmics is a clinical-stage medical device company which has developed a specialized phototherapy device to treat neurodegenerative diseases. We are the first company with a specialized, home-use phototherapy device for people with Parkinson’s disease to receive significant recognition by the FDA as a Breakthrough Device. Our device is slated to enter a phase 3 clinical trial. We are leading the way on what could be the biggest breakthrough in Parkinson’s disease treatment in decades!

Q: What experience does the PhotoPharmics team have?

A: Our founders have more than 30 years of experience in the field of phototherapy, having previously developed specialized light solutions that are now widely used to regulate circadian rhythms in treating seasonal affective disorder (“winter blues”), sleep disorders, anxiety and depression.

Q: What is PhotoPharmics’s connection to Parkinson’s disease?

A: When it comes to Parkinson’s disease, we feel two major calls to action: First, we are using our vast experience to pioneer technology that could potentially be the biggest breakthrough in PD treatment in decades. Second, we feel a great need to raise awareness of the devastating non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease which, unfortunately, rarely get discussed but can be even more life-altering than the motor symptoms.

Q: What does your device do?

A: Our specialized phototherapy device was designed to address and improve the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by stimulating regulation of the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Q: Does it work?

A: Yes. Our phototherapy technology has been shown in clinical trials to improve the serious non-motor symptoms of PD as well as overall quality of life on top of best managed care.

Q: How does your device work?

A: Our home-use, non-invasive light therapy device uses a specialized, proprietary combination of light intensities and bandwidths to target the photoreceptors in the eye, creating a therapeutic effect to ease disease symptoms.

Q: Is your device part of any upcoming clinical trials?

A: Yes. PhotoPharmics has partnered with the Center for Health and Technology at the University of Rochester to begin a phase 3 clinical trial. It will be an at-home trial with 200 participants over six months. Participants will submit their information remotely utilizing technological innovations, opening the trial to some who would otherwise be inaccessible.

Q: Can you safely conduct a clinical trial under the conditions of a global pandemic?

A: Yes! Our trial will be conducted remotely. Each Participant will receive a device, and they will perform every function of the trial at home, including doctor visits and submitting personal results via the internet. It is a safe, non-invasive, stay-at-home trial, perfect for our time.

Q: Does the device interfere with daily life?

A: No. Research participants found the device (about the size of a laptop computer screen), to be safe and convenient to use while watching TV, reading, using a smartphone or taking part in other seated activities.

Q: Where can I learn more?

A: Sign up to be notified as more details emerge about PhotoPharmics, our specialized phototherapy device and upcoming trial information: PhotoPharmics.com/connect