Exploring the Use of Intracranial and Extracranial (Remote) Photobiomodulation Devices in Parkinson's Disease: A Comparison of Direct and Indirect Systemic Stimulations.

In recent times, photobiomodulation has been shown to be beneficial in animal models of Parkinson's disease, improving locomotive behavior and being neuroprotective. Early observations in people with Parkinson's disease have been positive also, with improvements in the non-motor symptoms of the disease being evident most consistently. Although the precise mechanisms behind these improvements are not clear, two have been proposed: direct stimulation, where light reaches and acts directly on the distressed neurons, and remote stimulation, where light influences cells and/or molecules that provide systemic protection, thereby acting indirectly on distressed neurons.

"Buckets": Early Observations on the Use of Red and Infrared Light Helmets in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

Parkinson's disease is a well-known neurological disorder with distinct motor signs and non-motor symptoms. We report on six patients with Parkinson's disease that used in-house built photobiomodulation (PBM) helmets. We used "buckets" lined with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of wavelengths across the red to near-infrared range (i.

Objective measurement in routine care of people with Parkinson's disease improves outcomes.

It is common in medicine to titrate therapy according to target ranges of objectively measured parameters. Objective measurement of motor function is available for Parkinson's Disease (PD), making it possible to optimise therapy and clinical outcomes. In this study, an accelerometry based measurement and predefined target ranges were used to assess motor function in a Northern Tasmania PD cohort managed by a Movement Disorder clinic.

Seasonal variation, hip fracture and vitamin D levels in Southern Tasmania.

Aims: To determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in older patients admitted with a hip fracture and to look for seasonal variation in vitamin D levels and hip fracture in Southern Tasmania.

Methods: This was a case series of patients admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania with a hip fracture from July 1996-June 1997. Information was collected on demographic data, functional activity, associated medical disorders and drug history.