Light therapy for Alzheimer's patients (and the rest of us)

What's the news: Light therapy significantly improves sleep, psychological problems, and behavioral problems in Alzheimer's patients.

Why should we believe it: This news is based on a new meta-study published earlier this week by scientists in China. They pooled the results of 15 randomized controlled trials that looked at the effects of light therapy — shining various frequencies of light at various intensities into the eyes — on 598 patients with Alzheimer's. Results of light therapy:

• Significantly improved sleep efficiency

• Reduced circadian rhythm disorders

• Alleviated depression and reduced agitation

Why this is a big deal: This study is interesting as a new direct intervention for Alzheimer's patients. While we now have some drugs that slow Alzheimer's, we still have nothing resembling a cure. Light therapy appears to be a simple, safe, non-pharmacological intervention that makes a real difference, both for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

But this study is also relevant to those of us who do not have Alzheimer's and want to keep it that way. The fact is, by living in a modern society, it's likely we all have some level of circadian disruption. And circadian disruption is a potential cause for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Fortunately, this study shows us a fix.

So what specifically can you do now: This study doesn't make recommendations as to specific light therapy protocols for you to replicate at home. That's okay, because the best light therapy is simply to get outside and get exposed to daylight for a good amount of time.

Even in northern climates in the winter, this will get you exposed to much more light than you get inside. It will help regulate your circadian rhythm. And who knows, it might even prevent future neurological diseases.