Health Beat

COVID-19 interrupted so much of our daily lives. It also put certain research programs on hold, including one involving light and the effect it may have on people with non-insulin dependent Type 2 diabetes, disturbed sleep, and Alzheimer's disease. The work is being done by the Light and Research Center at Mount Sinai Hospital. The center has a local facility in Menands. As Program Director Mariana Figueiro, PH.D., explains, it's known that indoor lighting isn't sufficient for biological processes. We need the vibrancy of daylight. But for people living in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or someone who lives at home and rarely gets out, getting enough of that bright light can be a challenge. Not getting enough of that light can interfere with sleep. Not enough sleep can raise your risk for Type 2 diabetes and that can raise inflammation in the body. Inflammation may play a role in Alzheimer's disease. So the theory is that with sufficient daylight, provided through special, highintensity lights, glucose levels improve, sleep improves, and inflammation decreases. While not a cure for Alzheimer's, it could slow disease progression and limit worsening of Type 2 diabetes. To test this, the Light and Research Center is recruiting 120 participants who are 60 and older, have mild-moderate dementia, and also non-insulin dependent Type 2 diabetes. The light will be provided, along with wearable devices to measure light exposure and sleep. Glucose levels will be tested at the start, at one month, and then at the two-month point. Then there's a month off and the cycle is repeated. The full study runs 26 weeks. Again, there is no cost. If you're interested, call Barbara Plitnick at 518-288-6051.

Benita Zahn, DPS, CHWC Health and Wellness Coach Benitahealthcoach@gmail.com benitahealthcoach.com