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- Title
Effect of Bright Light and Melatonin on Cognitive and Noncognitive Function in Elderly Residents of Group Care Facilities.
- Authors
Riemersman-van der Lek, Rixt F.; Swaab, Dick F.; Twisk, Jos; Hol, Elly M.; Hoogendijk, Witte J.G.; Van Someren, Eus J.W.
- Abstract
The article presents a study seeking to determine if the progression of cognitive and noncognitive symptoms in the elderly can be improved by a single or combined long-term application of bright light and melatonin; the 2 major synchronizers of the circadian timing system. The design and setting of the long-term, double-blind, randomized trial involving 189 dementia patients at health care facilities in the Netherlands is described. The outcomes measured include cognitive symptoms, limitations in daily activities, and adverse effects. Researchers concluded that bright light had a modest health benefit in the improvement of cognitive and noncognitive symptoms associated with dementia and recommend it to counteract the adverse effect melatonin has on mood.
- Subjects
MELATONIN; DEMENTIA patients; PHOTOTHERAPY; PSYCHIATRIC treatment; PSYCHOSES; EFFECT of chemicals on circadian rhythms; SLEEP-wake cycle
- Publication
JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association, 2008, Vol 299, Issue 22, p2642
- ISSN
0098-7484
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1001/jama.299.22.2642