Australian light therapy breakthrough offers new hope for people with Parkinson’s

A new international study led by Australian researchers has found that targeted light therapy may help people with Parkinson’s disease improve movement, balance and anxiety – offering fresh hope for those living with the condition.

The trial, supported by Sydney-based medical technology company SYMBYX Biome, is the largest of its kind and builds on pioneering work by scientists at the University of Sydney.

Researchers found that participants who used SYMBYX light therapy devices over several months showed significant improvements in mobility, motor skills and mood compared to those who stopped treatment.

Meaningful improvements in movement and mood

During the 72-week clinical trial, participants used a handheld laser device that delivered gentle light to the abdomen and head, stimulating the connection between the gut and the brain.

By the end of the study, those who continued treatment improved their functional mobility by 14 per cent, while those who discontinued experienced a decline. Parkinson’s severity scores also improved by 20 per cent for the ongoing treatment group.

Anxiety levels improved by 11 per cent, suggesting wider quality-of-life benefits for both participants and their families.

“These results provide further support for the use of light as a safe, effective, research-based treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms,” said Anita Saltmarche, Co-Principal Investigator of the study.

“Participants demonstrated significant improvements in both motor and non-motor symptoms, resulting in meaningful improvements in quality of life.”

What is light therapy?

Light therapy works by directing specific wavelengths of light to the body to stimulate cellular activity. In Parkinson’s, SYMBYX devices target the gut–brain axis – the communication pathway between the digestive system and the brain – which is thought to play a key role in many symptoms of the disease.

“We’ve learned a lot from this research,” said Dr Wayne Markman, CEO of SYMBYX Biome. “Longer-term and consistent light therapy seems to make a real difference, and we’re already planning a new large clinical study with Newcastle University in the UK.”

Living with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is the world’s fastest-growing neurological condition, affecting more than 150,000 Australians. It causes a range of motor and non-motor symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, sleep disturbance and anxiety.

For trial participant Andy, the benefits were tangible.

“I found with the light treatment, I had much more energy,” he said.

Carer Ruth, whose husband also took part, said the difference was clear.

“His quality of life has substantially improved — there is just no doubt about that.”

A safe and accessible option

SYMBYX’s non-invasive, at-home light therapy devices are already being used by people with Parkinson’s across Australia as a complementary therapy alongside exercise and medical care.

Researchers emphasise that while more studies are underway, the results so far are promising and show the potential for light therapy to support mobility, mood and overall wellbeing.

For more information about SYMBYX Biome and the PDCare laser, visit symbyxbiome.com.