Around 60000 people get diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) each year in the US, and about 10 million people suffer from the disease worldwide.
The total number of people suffering from PD is more than the combined number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig's Disease. Therefore, it is a massive concern in the US and the world.
In the US alone, the direct and indirect impact of Parkinson's includes things like treatment, social security payments, and lost income range around 52 billion dollars a year.
In addition, the number of people with cerebral diseases is increasing, which is a big concern. That's why treatments and medicine for the conditions are being researched worldwide.
One of the treatments that are gaining traction is PEMF and transcranial pulse stimulation for Parkinson's. There are several studies out there that are looking into the effects of PEMF on the brain.
Home Rehab provides high-end home relaxation and rehabilitation solutions that make life easier for people. One of our most popular categories is PEMF therapy devices, so we know all there is to know about them.
Due to our line of work, we face plenty of questions about PEMF therapy and its impact on Parkinson's Disease. So we decided to dive into the topic and talk in detail about what's going on in the field so let's check it out!
What Is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's Disease is a widespread disease that may be related to neurotoxicity. According to the AANS, PD is a progressive disorder of brain function due to the degeneration of neurons in the part of the brain called substantia nigra.
It affects hormonal and neurotransmitter functions, resulting in tremors, rigidity, reduced flexibility, slow movement, and impaired balance and coordination. Some experts believe that hyperactivity in this part of the brain is because of the loss of dopamine.
PEMF & Its Application In Brain Conditions
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy, or PEMF, is the application of safe electromagnetic fields to an affected body area for regenerative and functional improvement therapy.
It is a non-invasive option where the electromagnetic field is applied to the brain to increase cellular oxygenation by increasing circulation and stimulating the brain mitochondria.
The procedure for the brain, also known as transcranial pulse stimulation, is used to increase cellular regeneration and repair naturally. The field has grown into a viable treatment option with around six decades of research, development, and thousands of clinical studies.
The devices and treatments are known by many names, from T-PEMF (transcranial PEMF), PEMF, and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), ETC. These are all similar devices using similar technology; the only difference is intensity and coil design.
What The Research Says On PEMF Effects On Brain
There are plenty of studies out there that suggest PEMF improves gross and fine motor functions and cognitive abilities. This is because PEMF works by significantly altering the reactivity of molecules.
It reduces inflammation and slows down age-related degeneration. PEMF is also known to alleviate depression and improve mental health.
It's important to remember that around 40% of all PD patients suffer from depression. So there's also great promise in using PEMF therapy for physical therapy and neurorehabilitation.
Studies on the effects of PEMF or TMS on Parkinson's have been available since the 90s. In one 1996 study by the Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Services of Touro College,
Dr. Reuven Sandyk treated a 73-year-old PD patient with a ten-year history of suffering from the Disease with PEMF. He noticed that the PD tremors, start hesitation, and freezing of gait was almost completely gone within a week.
The patient was able to draw better and got back his signature. In 1999, his research also found that PEMF can be used to treat olfactory functions, which is often an ignored part of PD treatment.
The study revealed that a 7 Hz stimulation helped in treating olfactory dysfunction. Smelling and yawns are usually indicators of improvement for Parkinson's is always an indicator that the treatment is working.
Dr. Sandyk is one of the biggest names in PD research in the US and has published several studies on PEMF therapy for Parkinson's Disease. His research has also shown that PEMF improved speech impairment, restless leg syndrome, and other benefits.
In one 2015 joint study, researchers from Italy, Mexico, and the UK studied electromagnetic therapy's mechanisms and therapeutic applications.
The study found that PEMF or TMS therapy improves Parkinson's symptoms like tremors, slow movement, and difficulty walking. As a non-invasive and safe option for improving PD patients' quality of life. Another review of 470 PD patients back in 2015 concluded that rTMS helps with motor symptoms and tremor control.
Universities in Denmark did a randomized clinical trial to study the benefits of PEMF therapy for PD. They treated PD patients with a 50Hz PEMF field for 30 minutes for eight weeks straight.
The researchers found that PEMF most definitely affects the brain of PD patients, and it improves patients' symptoms after the clinical trial. For example, they could rise from their chairs faster and find that the results are best seen in mild Parkinson's patients.
NASA also has published a paper suggesting that PD patients' improvements can be more prominent on a lower frequency. The study indicates that 10Hz PEMF fields can better stimulate neural stem cells for neuro-regeneration.
PEMF Is A Viable Therapy Option For PD
As you can see, the science backs using PEMF for Parkinson's patients to alleviate symptoms. The PEMF effects on the brain are real and are known for neuro-regeneration.
Make sure you talk to your physician about using PEMF therapy or TMS for Parkinson's Disease. Now, PEMF therapy has a wide range of uses, and it can prove to be beneficial for a host of different ailments.
If you are looking for PEMF therapy devices for your home, then we can help you out. Home Rehab's curated list of PEMF devices will give you the same output you'd get in clinics at home.
So contact us, and we will hook you up with one if you have questions about PEMF or any of our other home rehabilitation solutions.
You can drop them in the comments below or hit us on our socials, and we will answer them all for you. And with that being said, that's about all we have for you today. We will come back with something new for you soon. Until then, see ya!