Bioelectric Medicine Brain Health
Dementia Treatment & Prevention
BART Webinar Series featuring Photobiomodulation for TBI with Anita Saltmarche
This webinar recording explores photobiomodulation (laser and light therapy) with Anita Saltmarche. Anita was a Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Toronto for many years and the principal investigator, researcher, and consultant to the Ontario Ministry of Health on a large, multi-site interventional clinical trial.
Anita will speak about the effects of photobiomodulation and how it can effectively treat chronic TBI and other neurological conditions.
Viewers will develop a basic understanding of:
- How light therapy affects cells and tissue, and the potential benefits for those living with TBI and other neurological conditions.
- Considerations if you are thinking about purchasing or trying light therapy.
- Integrating light therapy devices into an integrative treatment approach for TBI and other neurological conditions.
About our presenter: Anita Saltmarche, BScN MHSc
In various roles, Anita has been involved in photobiomodulation (laser and light therapy) over the past 22 years as the VP of Clinical & Scientific Affairs for a photobiomodulation (PBM) device manufacturer, consultant, educator, researcher, and clinician.
Invited Talk by Michael R. HamblinFor the Guy Foundation
Guy: I’ve included this talk as a foundational resource for understanding the research and biological effects of Photobiomodulation (Light Therapy). Michael R. Hamblin covers a wealth of research in a short time, making this a content-rich presentation that’s definitely worth watching multiple times.
Michael R. Hamblin, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher and academic. He was a Principal Investigator at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. Currently, he serves as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr. Hamblin earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Trent University in England. His research interests span photodynamic therapy, photobiomodulation, drug delivery, nanomedicine, and tissue engineering. His work has been supported by prestigious organizations such as the NIH, CDMRP, USAFOSR, and CIMIT.
Dr. Michael R. Hamblin has published over 560 peer-reviewed articles, more than 150 conference proceedings, book chapters, and international abstracts, and holds 10 patents. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, Associate Editor for 10 journals, and serves on the editorial board of an additional 20 journals. With an h-index of 113 and over 52,000 citations, Dr. Hamblin has also authored or edited 25 textbooks on photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photomedicine, including 13 SPIE proceedings. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he was elected a Fellow of SPIE in 2011, received the first Endre Mester Lifetime Achievement Award from NAALT in 2017, the Outstanding Career Award from the Dose Response Society, and the first Ali Javan Award for Photobiomodulation Basic Science Research from WALT in 2018.
Video
Developmental Bioelectricity – By Prof. Michael Levin
Guy: I’ve included this talk as an introduction to the groundbreaking research in Bioelectric Medicine, as conceptualized by Dr. Michael Levin. He and his team have made paradigm-shifting discoveries, and the significance of their work cannot be overstated. The goal of watching this talk is not necessarily to fully understand his research, but to open one's mind to the fact that there is much more occurring in our biology than we’ve been led to believe. I suspect that some of the processes he has identified may play a role in the Bioelectric Medicine we use in our treatments.
The "Origins of Goal-Directedness" is a major research initiative at the Center Leo Apostel, supported by the John Templeton Foundation. The project applies the formalism of Chemical Organization Theory (COT) to model self-organization and the emergence of autopoietic systems.
This workshop is organized as part of the Origins of Goal-Directedness project. Michael Levin, an invited speaker, is from the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University (https://allencenter.tufts.edu) and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University (https://wyss.harvard.edu/team/associa…).
In this seminar, Michael Levin presents a range of findings on developmental bioelectricity as the cognitive medium through which the collective intelligence of cells navigates morphospace.
Bredesen Protocol Overview
Dr. Richard Sinda and Guy Odishaw present on the use of the Bredesen Protocol and Bioelectric Medicine for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Bredesen Presentation Q&A
Dr. Richard Sinda and Guy Odishaw from the Minnesota Brain Health Clinic host a follow-up Q&A session to their October 28, 2021 presentation on the Bredesen Protocol for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s and dementia. This talk also includes a brief case presentation highlighting the progress of one of their Bredesen patients.
Brain and Cognitive Changes in Pre-Symptomatic Alzheimer’s Disease: New Findings
Sterling Johnson, PhD, and Tobey Betthauser, PhD, MS, present new findings on brain and cognitive changes in pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Johnson is a professor in the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Medicine, and Dr. Betthauser is an assistant scientist in the same division. This talk is part of the University of Wisconsin Department of Medicine Grand Rounds, a series presented throughout the academic year for healthcare professionals and medical researchers.
Dementia: Gender, diet and brain health
In this engaging discussion, Richard Merrick and Professor Anne-Marie Minihane explore how factors such as gender and diet influence brain health. Biological sex and gender appear to be linked to dementia risk, with more women than men currently living with dementia. Richard Merrick shares insights from his research using large, long-term population studies aimed at better understanding this connection. Professor Minihane discusses her work on the effects of certain foods and the Mediterranean diet on brain health, as well as the potential impact of menopause on dementia risk.
Beyond neurons: the role of brain support cells in dementia
At this Lab Notes event, Dr. Konstantin Glebov and Dr. Jon Witton from the South West Research Network share their insights on brain support cells known as glia. The event is chaired by Dr. Katy Stubbs from Alzheimer’s Research UK. Dr. Glebov, from the University of Plymouth, introduces the different types of glial cells and their role in maintaining brain health. He discusses how these cells alter their function in Alzheimer’s disease and the role of small messaging packages called exosomes in these changes. Dr. Witton, from the University of Exeter, explores how glia are essential for brain function and how regulating their communication with nerve cells could offer new avenues for treating Alzheimer’s.
Photobiomodulation for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia
In February 2022, Dr. Cassano presented the NYU-MGH study at LifeStance Health. The presentation covered in-vitro and pre-clinical data supporting the use of transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Dr. Cassano also reviewed the latest clinical data on PBM for AD. The NYU-MGH study, a large randomized, double-blind clinical trial (n=125), was described, which was sponsored by the NIH/NIA and the Alzheimer’s Association.
How infrared light could reverse Alzheimer’s – Paul Chazot
Dr Paul Chazot is Senior Lecturer at Durham University’s Biophysical Sciences Institute, where he has been researching novel treatments for the major pathologies of the nervous system. Currently, Paul is working on a ground-breaking infrared light therapy that has the potential to help people with dementia, involving a specially adapted medical device that delivers infrared light deep into the brain, triggering nerve cell repair and increasing blood flow to the brain. Dr Chazot is also the University lead for the Durham University spin-out company Nevrargenics, who have developed exciting new drug leads (RAR-M) for a range of neurodegenerative diseases.
Allen Institute Photic Stimulation | Li-Huei Tsai
Li-Huei Tsai from MIT presents “Gamma Entrainment: From Network Activity to Waste Clearance” at the Allen Institute Modeling Workshop. This three-day virtual event, hosted by the Allen Institute for Brain Science, emphasizes open, publicly accessible models and associated tools.
Q for Li-Huei Tsai: Brilliant talk, thank you! Do you have any insights on how gamma entrainment and network rhythmic activity induce changes in microglial activity?
Li-Huei Tsai: This is one of the most interesting questions we are currently addressing. We have two hypotheses: First, that neuropeptides released by the entrained neurons activate microglia. Second, that microglia directly sense gamma rhythms through receptors and channels expressed on their surface. We hope to have an answer soon.
Transcranial Stimulation
Transcranial Stimulation (TCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that applies a small pulsed electric current across the head. This mild electrical stimulus promotes the production of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in information processing, memory, energy levels, and overall physical well-being.
Audio Visual Entrainment
Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) is an evidence-based technique that uses rhythmic pulses of light and sound at specific frequencies to gently guide the brain into various brain wave states. By adjusting brain wave frequencies, AVE can enhance mood, improve sleep patterns, sharpen cognitive function, and increase relaxation levels.
Microcurrent Therapy
Through a scanning process, these instruments identify and highlight areas of abnormal tissue function or response, signaling damage and the need for healing. Once damaged tissue is located, the device adjusts itself to produce a low-voltage electrical current that "normalizes" or corrects the tissue. This corrective current aids in regenerating injured tissues such as bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms, initiating repairs at the cellular level and accelerating the process of cellular and connective tissue repair.
Essentially, our instruments work by organizing “chaotic” ions, enabling the tissue to repair itself. They also enhance blood flow, increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the site of injury.
An additional benefit is the detoxification or "cleansing" of the tissue surrounding the injury. When a positive-to-negative current flows across a damaged cell membrane, it creates a discharge that helps displace toxins and accelerates the healing process.
Our instruments also help reduce muscle spasms and fibrosis (scarring) through fascia release, allowing the muscle to return to its natural length and improving range of motion. Additionally, they calm the nervous system by re-establishing proper nerve conduction.
The Electro-Acuscope monitors nerve conduction between two electrodes, adjusting and controlling the current amplitude and voltage output accordingly. The Acuscope uses a complex waveform that mimics natural nerve impulses.
The Electro-Myopulse measures the bio-impedance of muscle tissue between two electrodes, adjusting and controlling the current amplitude and voltage output accordingly. It uses a sine wave, which closely mimics the waveform produced when a muscle initially contracts.
Brain Connectivity: tPBM Effects on Electrophysiological, Hemodynamic, and Metabolic Levels
Dr. Sadra Shahdadian presented at the MGH Brain PBM Clinic Rounds (01.20.23) on the effects of prefrontal transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) on electrophysiological, hemodynamic, and metabolic connectivity in the human brain.
Brain Hacking: The Effects of Transcranial Infrared Laser on Cognitive Enhancement
Dr. Francisco Gonzalez Lima presented at the MGH Brain PBM Clinic Rounds (02.17.23) on the benefits of transcranial infrared light stimulation (TILS) for enhancing memory, attention, and executive function through neuroplasticity and bioenergetic effects.
The Microbiome and Gut-Brain Axis: Exploring Brain Stimulation Opportunities with PBM
Dr. Brian Bicknell presented at the MGH Brain PBM Clinic Rounds (02.03.23) on the role of the gut-brain axis in health and disease, highlighting the potential to influence it through photobiomodulation.
Parkinson’s Disease: Case Studies on Multi-Modal PBM for Treatment
Dr. Ann Liebert presented at the MGH Brain PBM Clinic Rounds (06.10.22) on case studies using photobiomodulation (PBM) as part of a multi-modal intervention to address the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Brain Stimulation Methods for Enhancing Memory, Day and Night
Webinar Recording: Dr. Vince Clark
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation: From Physiology to Cognitive Enhancement
Webinar Recording with Miles Wischnewski, Ph.D.