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Light therapy for improving cognition, activities of daily living, sleep, challenging behaviour, and psychiatric disturbances in dementia
Open accessAbstract
BACKGROUND: Rest-activity and sleep-wake cycles are controlled by the endogenous circadian rhythm generated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Degenerative changes in the SCN appear to be a biological basis for circadian disturbances in people with dementia, and might be reversed by stimulation of the SCN by light. OBJECTIVES: The review examines the effectiveness of light therapy in improving cognition, activities of daily living (ADLs), sleep, challenging behaviour, and psychiatric symptoms associated with dementia. SEARCH METHODS: ALOIS, the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group (CDCIG), The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and LILACS were searched on 20 January 2014 using the terms: "bright light*", "light box*", "light visor*", "dawn-dusk*", phototherapy, "photo therapy", "light therapy" "light treatment", light* . The CDCIG Specialized Register contains records from all major healthcare databases (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS) as well as from many trials databases and grey literature sources. SELECTION CRITERIA: All relevant, randomized controlled trials were included in which light therapy, at any intensity and duration, was compared with a control group for the effect of improving cognition, ADLs, sleep, challenging behaviour, and psychiatric symptoms associated with dementia (as well as institutionalization rates or cost of care). Included were people with dementia of any type and degree of severity. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed the retrieved articles for relevance, and four review authors independently assessed the selected studies for risk of bias and extracted the data. Statistically significant differences in outcomes between the treatment and control groups at the end of treatment and follow-up were examined. Each study was summarized using a measure of effect (for example mean difference). MAIN RESULTS: Eleven trials (13 articles) met the inclusion criteria. However, three of the studies could not be included in the analyses either because the reported data could not be used in the meta-analysis or we were unable to retrieve the required data from the authors.This updated review found no effect of light therapy on cognitive function, sleep, challenging behaviour (for example agitation), or psychiatric symptoms associated with dementia. Reduction in the development of ADL limitations was reported in one study, at three of five time points, and light therapy was found to have an effect after six weeks and two years but not after one year. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to justify the use of bright light therapy in dementia. Further research should concentrate on replicating the suggested effect on ADLs, and establishing the biological mechanism for how light therapy improves these important outcomes.
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“Current practice shows positive results in ocular light exposure interventions based on a set of factors: bright 'white' light, intensities ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 lux for 30 minutes to two hours daily, sustained over two to four weeks [46, 63].”
From Ocular light exposure interventions for sleep, circadian rhythms, rest-activity cycles, mood, and cognitive function in older adults: An Overview of Cochrane and non-Cochrane Systematic Reviews (2025) · cites this paper as [46]
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“At present, there is considerable heterogeneity in methods across studies regarding these parameters, and in reporting them [45], with mixed findings [46, 47].”
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“Additionally, we applied a seed review validation process to ensure the robustness of our search strategy and its ability to capture relevant literature.”
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“Most of the BPSD studies focus on visible light, especially bright light over 1000 lux and in the blue to green light spectrum, as a treatment or an environmental condition influencing IF and NIF functioning to enhance daytime alertness and modify sleep quality.(41) However, a”
BackgroundTreatment for depression comorbid with dementia
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“In addition, degenerative changes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus may result in reduced regulation of circadian rhythms.(28) Hickman et al found BLT led to a reduction in depressive symptoms in women but an increase in men, and overall did not support BLT as a treatment for depression in dementia.”
BackgroundNon-pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances in people with dementia
Wilfling, D., Calo, S., Dichter, M. N., Meyer, G., Möhler, R., & Köpke, S. (2023) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd011881.pub2 · Cited by 59
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“A Cochrane review on the effects of light therapy on persons with dementia included only one study with indoor environmental light.(31) Their conclusions were based on studies where the light sources (light boxes, light visors, light fixtures) differed to such an extent that the results might not be comparable.”
Rapaport, P., Webster, L., Horsley, R., Kyle, S. D., Kinnunen, K. M., Hallam, B., Pickett, J., Cooper, C., Espie, C. A., & Livingston, G. (2018) · Dementia · doi:10.1177/1471301218789559 · Cited by 29
When is audit and feedback effective in dementia care? A systematic review
Sykes, M. J., McAnuff, J., & Kolehmainen, N. (2018) · International Journal of Nursing Studies · doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.10.013 · Cited by 19
“The search strategy was adapted from previous reviews (Ivers et al., 2012; Forbes et al., 2014).”
MethodAmbient bright lighting in the morning improves sleep disturbances of older adults with dementia
Liu, C.-R., Liou, Y. M., & Jou, J. (2021) · Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2021.10.011 · Cited by 32
Cremascoli, R., Sparasci, D., Giusti, G., Cattaldo, S., Prina, E., Roveta, F., Bruno, F., Ghezzi, C., Cerri, S., Picascia, M., et al. (2022) · Frontiers in Physiology · doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.755322 · Cited by 28
López‐Soto, P. J., Manfredini, R., Smolensky, M. H., & Rodríguez‐Borrego, M. A. (2014) · Chronobiology International · doi:10.3109/07420528.2014.987295 · Cited by 28
“Thus, the role of these and other circadian rhythms, or of disruption of key circadian rhythms due to absence of strong synchronizing time cues as a consequence of abnormal day and nighttime lighting and lack of sufficient diurnal socializing common in many nursing homes and other longterm healthcare institutions that…”
BackgroundThe effect of lens aging and cataract surgery on circadian rhythm
Yan, S.-S., & Wang, W. (2016) · International Journal of Ophthalmology · doi:10.18240/ijo.2016.07.21 · Cited by 26
Chiu, H., Chan, P.-T., Chu, H., Hsiao, S. S., Liu, D., Lin, C., & Chou, K. (2017) · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · doi:10.1111/jgs.14990 · Cited by 28
“The current study subgroup findings suggest that light therapy with an intensity of 2,500 lux or more was more effective for cognitively impaired persons than a lower intensity; this finding is generally consistent with those of previous studies, which suggested that an intensity of 2,500 to 10,000 lux may be greater…”
ResultInteraction between the progression of Alzheimer's disease and fractal degradation
Li, P., Yu, L., Yang, J., Lo, M., Hu, C., Buchman, A. S., Bennett, D. A., & Hu, K. (2019) · Neurobiology of Aging · doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.08.023 · Cited by 27
Application of light therapy in older adults with cognitive impairment: a systematic review
Cibeira, N., Maseda, A., Lorenzo-López, L., Rodríguez-Villamil, J. L., López-López, R., & Millán-Calenti, J. C. (2020) · Geriatric Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2020.07.005 · Cited by 25
“Additionally, there is wide methodological heterogeneity with regard to the light intensity, frequency, interval, time of the day, and length of the intervention among the studies.(18)”
BackgroundInfluentialZang, L., Liu, X., Li, Y., Liu, J., Lu, Q., Zhang, Y., & Meng, Q. (2023) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0293977 · Cited by 25
“In patients with AD, reduced light input due to reduced outdoor exposure and poor sensitivity to light stimuli owing to neuropathic damage can lead to decreased circadian rhythm stability [10].”
BackgroundPhototherapy for Cognitive Function in Patients With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Zhu, G., Tong, Q., Ye, X., Li, J., Zhou, L., Sun, P., Liang, F., Zhong, S., Cheng, R., & Zhang, J. (2022) · Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.936489 · Cited by 24
Precision Light for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders
Kaladchibachi, S., & Fernandez, F. (2018) · Neural Plasticity · doi:10.1155/2018/5868570 · Cited by 25
“No doubt other case studies can be made for other disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease or major depressive disorder in aging individuals.”
BackgroundGupta, A., Prakash, N. B., & Sannyasi, G. (2021) · Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1177/02537176211033316 · Cited by 30
Aini, N., Chen, R., Chu, H., Chang, C., Lin, H., Jen, H., Liu, D., Lee, T., & Chou, K. (2023) · American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2023.12.010 · Cited by 23
Subhadeep, D., Srikumar, B. N., Rao, B. S. S., & Kutty, B. M. (2020) · Journal of Neuroscience Research · doi:10.1002/jnr.24601 · Cited by 23
Gallagher, D., & Herrmann, N. (2015) · Neurodegenerative Disease Management · doi:10.2217/nmt.14.46 · Cited by 25
Zhang, M., Wang, Q., Pu, L., Tang, H., Chen, M., Wang, X., Li, Z., Zhao, D., & Xiong, Z. (2023) · Journal of the American Medical Directors Association · doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2022.10.008 · Cited by 22
Cho, E., Lee, J. Y., Yang, M., Jang, J., Cho, J., & Kim, M. J. (2024) · International Journal of Nursing Studies · doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104866 · Cited by 21
Phototherapy improves cognitive function in dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Lu, X., Liu, C., & Shao, F. (2023) · Brain and Behavior · doi:10.1002/brb3.2952 · Cited by 19
“It is important to note that this RCT was included in several meta-analyses and systematic reviewswhich focused on phototherapy (Forbes et al., 2009, 2014; F IGURE 5 The total sleep time.”
BackgroundResultInfluentialShedding a Light on Phototherapy Studies with People having Dementia
Aarts, M. M., Aries, M. M., Diakoumis, A., & van Hoof, J. (2016) · American Journal of Alzheimer s Disease & Other Dementias® · doi:10.1177/1533317515628046 · Cited by 22
Fong, K. N., Ge, X., Ting, K., Wei, M., & Cheung, H. (2023) · American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias® · doi:10.1177/15333175231160682 · Cited by 20
“In a single group study by Figueiro et al., 55 a tailored lighting intervention using low-level “ bluish-white ” lighting during the daytime for 4 weeks in nursing homes could increase sleep quality (sleep time and sleep ef fi ciency) and reduce depression and agitation in PwD. 55 However, Dowling et al. 27 study parti…”
BackgroundResultInfluentialBaandrup, L., & Jennum, P. (2021) · Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms · doi:10.1016/j.nbscr.2021.100067 · Cited by 20
“…Cochrane review investigating the effectiveness of light therapy to improve cognition, activities of daily living, sleep, challenging behavior, and psychiatric symptoms associated with dementia found insufficient evidence to justify the use of bright light therapy in dementia (Forbes et al., 2014).”
BackgroundVilela, V. C., Pacheco, R. L., Latorraca, C. O. C., Pachito, D. V., & Riera, R. (2017) · Sao Paulo Medical Journal · doi:10.1590/1516-3180.2017.0092060617 · Cited by 25
Richardson, K., Savva, G. M., Boyd, P. J., Aldus, C. F., Maidment, I., Pakpahan, E., Loke, Y. K., Arthur, A. J., Steel, N., Ballard, C. G., et al. (2021) · Health Technology Assessment · doi:10.3310/hta25010 · Cited by 21
Pilot Study of the Effects of Bright Ambient Therapy on Dementia Symptoms and Cognitive Function
Liu, C.-R., Liou, Y. M., & Jou, J. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.782160 · Cited by 20
Non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances in people with dementia
Wilfling, D., Junghans, A., Marshall, L., Eisemann, N., Meyer, G., Mohler, R. A., & Köpke, S. (2015) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd011881 · Cited by 20
Prins, A. J., Scherder, E., van Straten, A., Zwaagstra, Y., & Milders, M. V. (2020) · Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders · doi:10.1159/000509433 · Cited by 22
Zhang, F., Zhong, R., Li, S., Chang, R. C., & Le, W. (2017) · Journal of Neural Transmission · doi:10.1007/s00702-017-1696-9 · Cited by 19
Kim, K.-S., & Lee, J. (2019) · Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing · doi:10.4040/jkan.2019.49.3.225 · Cited by 16
“따라서 약 물치료의 의존도와 약물로 인한 부작용을 감소시키기 위한 보완적인 방법으로 비약물적 요법인 회상요법, 아로마요법, 음악요법, 빛요법, 운동요법 등을 활용하고 있으며 몇몇 연구에서는 치매의 우울증상 개선에 효과가 있었다[17-21].”
Long days enhance recognition memory and increase insulin-like growth factor 2 in the hippocampus
Dellapolla, A., Kloehn, I., Pancholi, H., Callif, B. L., Wertz, D., Rohr, K. E., Hurley, M. M., Baker, K. M., Hattar, S. S., Gilmartin, M. R., et al. (2017) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-017-03896-2 · Cited by 17
Kinnunen, K. M., Rapaport, P., Webster, L., Barber, J., Kyle, S. D., Hallam, B., Cooper, C., Horsley, R., Pickett, J., Vikhanova, A., et al. (2018) · Health Technology Assessment · doi:10.3310/hta22710 · Cited by 16
Yuan, Y., Li, G., Ren, H., & Chen, W. (2021) · Phenomics · doi:10.1007/s43657-021-00010-5 · Cited by 15
Expert Consensus on Cognitive Dysfunction in Diabetes
Yang, Y., Zhao, J., & Yu, X. (2022) · Current Medical Science · doi:10.1007/s11596-022-2549-9 · Cited by 18
Cibeira, N., Maseda, A., Lorenzo‐López, L., González‐Abraldes, I., López‐López, R., Rodríguez-Villamil, J. L., & Millán-Calentí, J. C. (2021) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare9081065 · Cited by 14
“This therapy consists of the controlled application of certain levels of light that can be administered in different ways, including outdoor sunlight, light boxes, light visors worn on the head, ceiling lights, or dawn-dusk simulation [20].”
BackgroundPalliative care for people with dementia
Timmons, S., & Fox, S. (2023) · Handbook of clinical neurology · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-824535-4.00013-6 · Cited by 16
Metadata
- Authors
- Forbes, D., Blake, C. M., Thiessen, E. J., Peacock, S., & Hawranik, P.
- Affiliations
- University of Alberta (CA)
- Western University (CA)
- University of Saskatchewan (CA)
- Athabasca University (CA)
- Venue
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2014-02-26
- Volume
- 2014
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- CD003946-CD003946
- ISSN
- 1361-6137 (ISSN-L)
- 1465-1858
- PMC
- PMC10837684
- OpenAlex
- W2150283528
- Cited by
- 194
- References
- 107
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 22 · 2018: 17 · 2017: 20 · 2016: 17 · 2015: 12 · 2014: 5
- FWCI
- 2.49
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine › Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Disorders
- Keywords
- phototherapy, dementia, circadian rhythm, suprachiasmatic nucleus, sleep-wake cycle, cognitive function, activities of daily living, behavioral problems, agitation, psychiatric symptoms, institutionalization, cost of care, anxiety, delirium, caregiver burden, risk of bias, risk of overstatement
- MeSH terms
- Affect, Aged, Cognition Disorders, Dementia, Depression, Humans, Phototherapy, Psychomotor Agitation, Sleep Wake Disorders, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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