NEW HELMET BOOSTS MEMORY FAST!
HAILED as a potential game changer for dementia treatment, a revolutionary helmet that zaps the brain with infrared light showed promise in boosting cognitive skills among healthy adults in a recent trial, experts say.
Developed by researchers at England’s Durham University, the helmet — which costs around $10,000 — utilizes a process called photobiomodulation, in which pulses of infrared light are directed deep into the brain.
The scientists say their study showed using the device twice a day for six minutes at a clip for a month appeared to enhance the memory, motor function and brain processing skills of 14 subjects aged 45 and older.
The infrared light, which is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light, was beamed into the brains of volunteers by 14 fan-cooled LED light arrays.
The researchers compared the patient test results to a placebo group of 13, who unknowingly wore dummy helmets, and say those exposed to the real deal experienced a “rapid improvement” in memory.
Scientists believe the device may promote cellular energy and stimulate the brain to activate immune cells that dispatch toxic proteins related to dementia. They suspect it also enhances blood flow, allowing more oxygen to reach brain cells.
Dr. Gordon Dougal — who has spent 20 years studying the potential effects of infrared light in dementia treatment and worked with the Durham team — warns more research is needed but says the helmet “may well help dying brain cells regenerate into functioning units once again.”