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PhotoPharmics is a clinical-stage medical device company developing next-generation treatments for n

11/14/2025

How to Be Prepared for Your Parkinson’s Appointment 🩺

Doctor visits can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to remember all your symptoms, medications, and questions at once.

But being well-prepared for your Parkinson’s appointment can make a huge difference in how effectively your doctor understands and manages your symptoms.

Here’s how to make the most of your next visit 👇

➡️ 1. Track your symptoms regularly
Keep a daily log of both motor and non-motor symptoms, like tremor, stiffness, fatigue, mood, sleep, constipation, or brain fog. Note what time symptoms appear or worsen, and how they respond to medication. This helps your doctor adjust treatment more precisely.

➡️ 2. List your medications
Bring an up-to-date list of all your medications, including dosages, timing, and any side effects you’ve noticed. If your “on” and “off” times fluctuate, make a note of when they occur.

➡️ 3. Write down your questions
It’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask once you’re in the doctor’s office. Write down your questions beforehand, such as about new symptoms, side effects, exercise routines, or upcoming trials or therapies.

➡️ 4. Bring support
If possible, take a caregiver, partner, or friend along. They can help provide observations you might miss and remember details discussed during the visit.

➡️ 5. Discuss your daily challenges
Parkinson’s isn’t only about what happens during an exam; it’s about how you feel day to day. Be honest about emotional changes, fatigue, or sleep problems. These are just as important as motor symptoms.

Remember: You are your own best advocate. Preparing for your appointment ensures your care is personalized and proactive — not reactive.

Parkinson’s management is a team effort, and you play the most important role on that team.

11/13/2025

At What Stage of Parkinson’s Are You?

When someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is, “What stage am I in?”

But here’s the truth: Parkinson’s doesn’t move in neat, predictable stages for everyone.

It’s a highly individual journey.

While doctors use staging systems to describe symptom progression, these stages are only guidelines, not strict timelines.

➡️ The Hoehn and Yahr scale is one of the most common ways to describe Parkinson’s progression.

It ranges from:

Stage 1: Mild symptoms on one side of the body only (unilateral). Daily activities are mostly unaffected.

Stage 2: Symptoms on both sides (bilateral). You might notice stiffness or tremor on both sides but still maintain balance.

Stage 3: Balance starts to become an issue, but you remain independent in most activities.

Stage 4: Symptoms become more pronounced, and daily tasks may need some assistance.

Stage 5: The most advanced stage, where mobility is severely limited, and full-time care may be required.

However (and this is key), not everyone progresses through these stages in the same way or at the same pace.

Some people remain in early stages for many years with proper medication, exercise, and care.

Others may find that their non-motor symptoms (like fatigue, anxiety, or sleep problems) affect them more than visible motor ones.

What really matters isn’t just which stage you’re in, but how well your symptoms are managed and what improves your quality of life.

💡 Regular check-ins with your neurologist, honest symptom tracking, and an active lifestyle can make a world of difference in slowing progression and staying independent longer.

Because Parkinson’s isn’t a single straight path, it’s a journey unique to you.

11/12/2025

Did you know that for many people living with Parkinson’s, sleep can be just as challenging as movement?

One of the most common and least talked about non-motor symptoms is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD).

It’s a condition where your body starts acting out your dreams during REM sleep because the usual muscle paralysis doesn’t kick in.

Studies show that about 30–50% of people with Parkinson’s experience RBD.

Why it matters:

RBD can show up years before the typical motor symptoms like tremor or stiffness.
It can also cause injuries during sleep — people may kick, punch, or even fall out of bed without realizing it.

And it’s not just a sleep issue.

It’s linked to faster Parkinson’s progression and more balance or memory problems.

What to watch for:
Talking, shouting, or moving a lot during dreams
Waking up feeling like you were fighting in your sleep or finding yourself on the floor
Feeling tired or sleepy during the day with no clear reason

What you can do:
Talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist. RBD can be diagnosed and managed.
Make your sleep area safe — remove sharp objects, add padding, or use bed rails.
Ask your doctor about treatments like melatonin or low-dose clonazepam.
Track your symptoms and share them with your care team.

Sleep shouldn’t be something you worry about.

If vivid dreams or sudden movements in your sleep sound familiar, it might be time to bring RBD into the conversation.

11/11/2025

Living with Parkinson’s is not about fighting your body, it’s about learning to move with it.”

This quote is a simple but powerful reminder that Parkinson’s doesn’t define you. It just changes how you move through life.

It’s natural to feel frustrated when your body doesn’t do what you want it to.

The tremors, stiffness, or slow movements can make daily life challenging.

But fighting your body often makes things harder.

Try listening to it instead.

Notice what helps, whether it's a short walk, stretching, rest, or a change in routine. Learn to move with your body, not against it.

Living with Parkinson’s means finding new rhythms and being kind to yourself on tough days.

Every small step counts, whether it’s getting out of bed, doing your exercises, or simply showing up for yourself.

You don’t need to push harder; you just need to move differently.

➡️Progress with Parkinson’s isn’t about control. It’s about working with your body, not against it.

11/10/2025

How to Deal with Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s

When most people hear “Parkinson’s,” they think of tremors, stiffness, or slowness of movement.

But for many living with Parkinson’s, the non-motor symptoms — the ones you can’t always see — can be just as challenging.

Non-motor symptoms include changes in mood, sleep, digestion, and thinking.

They often show up years before movement symptoms begin and can greatly affect daily life if not addressed.

Here are some ways to manage them effectively 👇

🔹 Sleep problems: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is common.

Creating a calming bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule can help.

🔹 Depression and anxiety: These are biological effects of Parkinson’s (not just reactions to it).

Don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. Counseling, exercise, and medication can make a huge difference.

🔹 Digestive issues: Constipation affects many people with Parkinson’s.

Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and gentle activity like walking can keep digestion on track.

🔹 Cognitive changes: Memory lapses or difficulty concentrating can occur.

Keeping mentally active, such as reading, solving puzzles, or learning something new, helps the brain stay engaged.

🔹 Fatigue: Rest when you need to, and prioritize energy for what matters most.

Light exercise and sunlight exposure can also boost stamina.

The key takeaway?

These symptoms are part of Parkinson’s, not separate from it, and addressing them early leads to better overall well-being.

Parkinson’s isn’t just about movement; it’s about the whole person.

Paying attention to non-motor symptoms means caring for your mind, body, and spirit — every part that makes you you.

11/07/2025

What Do You Know About Dysphagia?

Have you ever struggled to swallow food or felt like something got “stuck” in your throat?

For many people living with Parkinson’s, this isn’t just an occasional problem; it’s a common symptom known as dysphagia (dis-FAY-juh).

Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, which can impact eating, drinking, and even the administration of medication.

While it might seem minor at first, it’s actually one of the most important symptoms to monitor in Parkinson’s care.

Why?

Because swallowing involves many muscles and nerves that Parkinson’s can impact over time.

When these muscles slow down or weaken, it can make swallowing less coordinated, leading to coughing, choking, or even aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway).

Here’s what to look out for 👇
➡️ Coughing or throat clearing during or after eating

➡️ Taking longer to finish meals

➡️ Feeling like food is stuck in your throat

➡️ Drooling or excess saliva

➡️ Unexplained weight loss or frequent chest infections

The good news?

Dysphagia can be managed with awareness and support.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can teach exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles and recommend strategies, like changing food texture, posture, or eating pace, that make mealtimes safer and more comfortable.

If you or your loved one notices these signs, talk to your healthcare provider early.

Addressing dysphagia doesn’t just improve nutrition; it enhances safety, comfort, and quality of life.

💬 Remember: Eating should be a joy, not a challenge. With the right care, it can stay that way.

11/06/2025

Living with Parkinson’s can sometimes make you feel like your body isn’t cooperating.

Symptoms like stiffness, tremors, and slowness can creep into daily activities.

But here’s the good news: regular exercise can help you reclaim control, movement, and confidence.

Let’s look at 9 exercises that can make a real difference 👇

1️⃣ Stretching: Keeps muscles loose and reduces stiffness. Gentle morning stretches can set the tone for your day.

2️⃣ Tai Chi: Improves balance and coordination through slow, mindful movements.

3️⃣ Yoga: Enhances flexibility and mental calm while easing rigidity.

4️⃣ Walking: A simple but powerful way to boost mobility and endurance.

5️⃣ Cycling (stationary or outdoor): Helps with leg strength, rhythm, and cardiovascular health.

6️⃣ Dancing: Combines movement with rhythm, which is great for balance, mood, and coordination.

7️⃣ Strength training: Builds muscle to support posture and daily activities.

8️⃣ Boxing-style workouts: Improve hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and overall agility.

9️⃣ Breathing exercises: Promote relaxation and support speech and lung control.

The goal isn’t intensity. It’s consistency. Even 20–30 minutes a day can help improve flexibility, balance, and overall mood.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new routine, and if possible, work with a physical therapist who understands Parkinson’s.

Every movement counts, whether it’s a stretch, a walk, or a dance step.

Over time, these exercises don’t just strengthen your body; they empower you to live more freely and confidently.

11/05/2025

Does Everyone Experience the Same Parkinson’s Symptoms? 🤔

When people think of Parkinson’s disease, they often picture tremors. But that’s only one piece of a much larger picture.

The truth is, no two people experience Parkinson’s the same way.

Parkinson’s is a highly individualized condition.

The type, timing, and intensity of symptoms can differ greatly from person to person.

While one individual might notice hand tremors early on, another may struggle more with stiffness, slowness, or balance issues.

Some experience changes in facial expression or speech, while others battle fatigue, anxiety, or sleep problems long before motor symptoms even appear.

This variation happens because Parkinson’s doesn’t affect everyone’s brain in exactly the same way.

The loss of dopamine-producing neurons occurs at different rates and in different brain regions, leading to unique symptom patterns.

Here’s what can differ from person to person:

➡️ Motor symptoms: Tremor, rigidity, slowness, freezing of gait, or balance changes

➡️ Non-motor symptoms: Fatigue, depression, constipation, anxiety, and changes in sleep or smell

➡️ Response to medication: Some respond quickly and dramatically, while others need careful dose adjustments

➡️ Progression rate: For some, changes happen slowly over years; for others, symptoms progress more rapidly

Understanding this individuality is key to managing Parkinson’s effectively.

Personalized treatment, from medication timing to exercise and therapy, can make a huge difference in maintaining quality of life.

Parkinson’s may follow one name, but it never follows one pattern.

Every person’s journey deserves understanding, patience, and care tailored to their experience.

11/04/2025

Living with Parkinson’s can be unpredictable — some days are smoother, others feel tougher.

That’s why tracking your symptoms regularly can make such a difference.

A symptom tracker helps you notice patterns that you might miss in daily life, like changes in movement, sleep, mood, or medication response.

Over time, this record becomes more than just notes on paper; it becomes a story of your progress and an important guide for your doctor to adjust your treatment more effectively.

👉 You might start noticing that stiffness increases on certain days or that your tremors lessen after specific activities.

These insights can help you and your healthcare team make small but meaningful adjustments to improve your daily comfort and mobility.

Remember, managing Parkinson’s isn’t just about medication; it’s about understanding your body, recognizing changes early, and responding mindfully.

A simple tracker can empower you to take charge of your journey, one observation at a time.

Whether you prefer a notebook or an app, consistency is key.

Keep it handy, make it a daily habit, and watch how self-awareness transforms your management of Parkinson’s.

11/03/2025

You might know Steve Guttenberg as the star of 80s classics like Police Academy, Cocoon, and Three Men and a Baby.

But his most challenging and meaningful role was one he played off-screen: as a full-time caregiver for his father.

When his father, Stanley, was diagnosed with kidney failure, Guttenberg stepped up to help manage his daily at-home dialysis, a demanding process that reshaped his life for several years.

He has since become a powerful voice for the 53 million caregivers in America, and he doesn't sugarcoat the reality.

Guttenberg has called the experience both a "privilege" and, unequivocally, the "hardest role" he's ever had.

He speaks honestly about the part of caregiving that is rarely glamorized: the physical exhaustion, the emotional drain, and the profound isolation.

He refers to it as a "full-contact sport," available 24/7.

He’s shared how the "phone stops ringing" and your world shrinks to the size of the sickroom, leaving you to manage an immense burden, often alone.

But his core message isn't one of regret; it's one of love and presence.

For Guttenberg, it was a "time to thank" his father by being fully present, not just managing his illness but truly connecting with him.

His story is a vital, honest look at the sacrifice and strength of millions of hidden heroes.

It’s a call to action for all of us to better support the caregivers in our own lives—to be the one whose call gets through.

10/31/2025

It’s one of the most consistent findings in Parkinson's research: men are about 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) than women.

This isn't just a statistical curiosity; it's a critical clue that researchers are using to unlock the very mechanisms of the disease.

But why does this "gender gap" exist?

The answer isn't one simple thing but rather a complex interplay of biology and environment.

1. The Estrogen Hypothesis (The "Neuroprotective Shield")

The most widely studied theory involves hormones, specifically estrogen.

Estrogen is believed to have powerful neuroprotective properties.

This means it helps defend neurons—especially the dopamine-producing cells that are lost in PD—from stress, inflammation, and damage.

This "biological buffer" may delay the onset of the disease in women, at least until after menopause, when estrogen levels drop significantly.

2. Genetic Differences

Genetics also plays a role.

Men (XY) and women (XX) have different chromosomes, which can affect how certain genes are expressed.

Some genes linked to PD risk, such as LRRK2 and SNCA, may present differently or have different levels of "penetrance" (likelihood of causing disease) between the sexes.

Some protective mechanisms might even be linked to the X chromosome, giving women a potential "backup copy" that men lack.

3. Environmental & Lifestyle Factors

Historically, men have had higher rates of occupational exposure to certain environmental risk factors linked to Parkinson's.

These include industrial chemicals, solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides (like paraquat).

Furthermore, higher rates of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), another known risk factor for PD, have traditionally been more common in men.

Why This Matters?

While we don’t yet have a complete answer, understanding these differences helps researchers design more personalized prevention and treatment strategies.

Parkinson’s doesn’t affect everyone the same way, and that’s exactly why studying gender-based biology matters.

By studying these differences, we get one step closer to finding new ways to slow, stop, and ultimately prevent Parkinson's for all.

10/30/2025

Did you know that Parkinson’s disease is more common in men than in women?

Research shows that men are nearly 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s compared to women.

While the exact reasons aren’t fully understood, scientists believe that a mix of biological, hormonal, and environmental factors may play a role.

One theory suggests that estrogen may have a protective effect on the brain, helping women maintain dopamine levels for longer.

Others point to lifestyle and exposure differences—such as certain toxins or occupational risks—that may be more common among men.

Genetics and age also remain strong risk factors for both men and women.

Regardless of gender, the symptoms of Parkinson’s—such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance difficulties—can greatly impact daily life.

However, studies also show that women may experience Parkinson’s differently. For example:

Men are more likely to experience tremors early on.

Women are more likely to face postural instability and balance challenges.

Women may also experience differences in medication response and side effects.

Understanding these differences is not just interesting—it’s critical.

By recognizing how Parkinson’s presents and progresses differently in men and women, researchers and clinicians can work toward more personalized treatments and care approaches.

At Light for PD, we believe in supporting every person’s journey with Parkinson’s. Our clinical trial is focused on developing an innovative, non-invasive therapy that aims to improve quality of life.

👉 Learn more about our ongoing trial at lightforpd.com

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3451 North Triumph Boulevard, Suite 201
Lehi, UT
84043

Telephone

+18017706960

Website

https://photopharmics.com/

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PhotoPharmics: On the cutting edge of Parkinson’s disease treatment

PhotoPharmics is a clinical-stage medical device company developing next-generation treatments for treating neurodegenerative disorders through the eyes. We have 30+ years of research and experience in specialized phototherapy, and are now passionately pursuing the next breakthrough in the treatment of the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Speaking of breakthrough, we are beyond thrilled that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently bestowed Breakthrough Device Designation upon our phototherapy device.

“Very few device companies receive Breakthrough designation. Our device is the first specialized phototherapy device to achieve this status,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. “Our focus is to help people with Parkinson’s improve function and return to what they enjoy doing most. We think this recognition by FDA validates our work.”

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, over one million Americans and ten million people worldwide suffer with Parkinson’s disease, a number which is expected to double within the next 20 years. Nearly 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed each year, and countless others are suffering without a formal diagnosis.