Persons with Alzheimer’s disease characteristically experience sleep disturbances that contribute to increased agitation and altered mood. In a crossover study of tailored lighting interventions in people with Alzheimer’s disease, lead author Dr. Mariana Figueiro reports that changing the type of light as well as the duration of light during waking hours will reduce sleep disturbances and subsequent agitation and depression in some patients. “Misalignment of circadian rhythms, or circadian disruption resulting from constant dim light — typically found in nursing homes — can lead to poor sleep”, states Figueriro. The study’s findings were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference held in Chicago last month.
Link to: MedPage Today (7/2018)