Light therapy for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
Abstract
Objectives: To review literature concerning the efficacy, clinical practicability and safety of light treatment for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Method: Data collection included computer literature searches (MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Cochrane) and checks of references, covering the period of January 1980–September 2003. Trials were searched for evidence for treatment efficacy and for their consideration of the treatment's clinical practicability and evidence of adverse effects. Results: Results from randomised controlled trials (RCT) indicated some evidence of improvement in aspects of sleep disturbances and circadian activity rhythmicity. One RCT study indicated better response in patients with vascular dementia compared to Alzheimer's disease. By and large, non‐RCT studies reported improvement in BPSD including sleep disturbances, agitation and activity rhythm disturbances. Few studies commented on the treatment's practicability and safety. Conclusion: Although there is some evidence for influence of light therapy on sleep and circadian activity rhythmicity, it is not possible to draw any conclusion about efficacy of light therapy for BPSD, or about practicability in clinical settings and safety. There are still too few well designed studies. Suggestions for further research are presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Morning light therapy may improve circadian rhythms and MMSE, CMAI and BEHAVEAD scores, particularly in the early stages of dementia, and even in severe cases improves circadian and behavioural symptoms, most notably agitation and overall cognitive function.
“some studies indicate that morning light therapy may improve circadian rhythms and Mini-Mental State examination (MMSE), Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and Behaviour Pathology in AD Rating Scale (BEHAVEAD) scores, particularly in the early stages of dementia, and that, even in severe cases of dementia, it improves circadian and behavioural symptoms, most notably agitation and overall”
From Rhythms of life: circadian disruption and brain disorders across the lifespan (2019) · cites this paper as [296]
Cites
Finkel, S. I., Miller, S., Silva, J. C. E., Cohen, G. D., & Sartorius, N. (1997) · International Psychogeriatrics · doi:10.1017/s1041610297003943 · Cited by 651 · see citing works
Indirect bright light improves circadian rest-activity rhythm disturbances in demented patients
Someren, E. J. W. V., Kessler, A., Mirmiran, M., & Swaab, D. F. (1997) · Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/s0006-3223(97)89928-3 · Cited by 440 · see citing works
Bright artificial light treatment of a manic-depressive patient with a seasonal mood cycle
(1982) · American Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/ajp.139.11.1496 · Cited by 389 · see citing works
Use of Wrist Activity for Monitoring Sleep/Wake in Demented Nursing-Home Patients
Ancoli‐Israel, S., Clopton, P., Klauber, M. R., Fell, R. L., & Mason, W. J. (1997) · SLEEP · doi:10.1093/sleep/20.1.24 · Cited by 348 · see citing works
Ancoli-Israel, S., Gehrman, P., Martin, J. L., Shochat, T., Marler, M., Corey-Bloom, J., & Levi, L. (2003) · Behavioral Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1207/s15402010bsm0101_4 · Cited by 347 · see citing works
Morning bright light therapy for sleep and behavior disorders in elderly patients with dementia
Mishima, K., Okawa, M., Hishikawa, Y., Hozumi, S., Hori, H., & Takahashi, K. (1994) · Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica · doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.1994.tb01477.x · Cited by 334 · see citing works
Bright light treatment of behavioral and sleep disturbances in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Satlin, A., Volicer, L., Ross, V., Herz, L. R., & Campbell, S. S. (1992) · American Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/ajp.149.8.1028 · Cited by 299 · see citing works
Effect of Light Treatment on Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Demented Nursing Home Patients
Ancoli‐Israel, S., Martin, J. L., Kripke, D. F., Marler, M., & Klauber, M. R. (2002) · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · doi:10.1046/j.1532-5415.2002.50060.x · Cited by 297 · see citing works
Exposure to light in healthy elderly subjects and alzheimer's patients
Campbell, S. S., Kripke, D. F., Gillin, J. C., & Hrubovcak, J. C. (1988) · Physiology & Behavior · doi:10.1016/0031-9384(88)90289-2 · Cited by 277 · see citing works
Illumination levels in nursing home patients: effects on sleep and activity rhythms
Shochat, T., Martin, J., Marler, M., & Ancoli‐Israel, S. (2000) · Journal of Sleep Research · doi:10.1046/j.1365-2869.2000.00221.x · Cited by 262 · see citing works
Duffy, J. F., Kronauer, R. E., & Czeisler, C. A. (1996) · The Journal of Physiology · doi:10.1113/jphysiol.1996.sp021593 · Cited by 234 · see citing works
Alessi, C. A., Yoon, E. J., Schnelle, J. F., Al‐Samarrai, N. R., & Cruise, P. A. (1999) · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.1999.tb03833.x · Cited by 227 · see citing works
Hg, R. (1992) · PubMed · Cited by 223 · see citing works
Treatment of sleep disturbance in Alzheimer's disease
McCurry, S. M., Reynolds, C. F., Ancoli-Israel, S., Teri, L., & Vitiello, M. V. (2000) · Sleep Medicine Reviews · doi:10.1053/smrv.2000.0127 · Cited by 170 · see citing works
Opie, J., Rosewarne, R., & O'Connor, D. W. (1999) · Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1046/j.1440-1614.1999.00652.x · Cited by 166 · see citing works
Liu, R. Y., Zhou, J., Hoogendijk, W. J. G., van Heerikhuize, J. J., Kamphorst, W., Unmehopa, U. A., Hofman, M. A., & Swaab, D. F. (2000) · Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology · doi:10.1093/jnen/59.4.314 · Cited by 157 · see citing works
Dawn–dusk simulation light therapy of disturbed circadian rest–activity cycles in demented elderly
Gasio, P. F. (2003) · Experimental Gerontology · doi:10.1016/s0531-5565(02)00164-x · Cited by 156 · see citing works
Practice Parameters for the Use of Light Therapy in the Treatment of Sleep Disorders
Chesson, A. L., Littner, M. R., Davila, D., Anderson, W. M., Grigg-Damberger, M. M., Hartse, K. M., Johnson, S. F., & Wise, M. S. (1999) · SLEEP · doi:10.1093/sleep/22.5.641 · Cited by 156 · see citing works
Yamadera, H., Ito, T., Suzuki, H., Asayama, K., Ito, R., & Endo, S. (2000) · Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences · doi:10.1046/j.1440-1819.2000.00711.x · Cited by 148 · see citing works
CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS OF AGITATION IN INSTITUTIONALIZED PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Martin, J. L., Marler, M., Shochat, T., & Ancoli‐Israel, S. (2000) · Chronobiology International · doi:10.1081/cbi-100101054 · Cited by 148 · see citing works
Bright Light Therapy: Side Effects and Benefits Across the Symptom Spectrum
Terman, M., & Terman, J. S. (1999) · The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry · doi:10.4088/jcp.v60n1113 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
Luis, C. A., Barker, W., Gajaraj, K., Harwood, D. G., Petersen, R., Kashuba, A., Waters, C., Jimison, P., Pearl, G. S., Petito, C. K., et al. (1999) · International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1166(199907)14:7 · Cited by 140 · see citing works
Effect of bright light treatment on agitated behavior in institutionalized elderly subjects
Lovell, B. B., Ancoli‐Israel, S., & Gevirtz, R. (1995) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/0165-1781(95)02550-g · Cited by 134 · see citing works
Effect of Light on Agitation in Institutionalized Patients With Severe Alzheimer Disease
Ancoli‐Israel, S., Martin, J. L., Gehrman, P., Shochat, T., Corey‐Bloom, J., Marler, M., Nolan, S., & Levi, L. (2003) · American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1097/00019442-200303000-00010 · Cited by 134 · see citing works
Bright light treatment improves sleep in institutionalised elderly—an open trial
Fetveit, A., Skjerve, A., & Bjorvatn, B. (2003) · International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/gps.852 · Cited by 124 · see citing works
Self-citationSomeren, E. J. W. V., Mirmiran, M., & Swaab, D. F. (1993) · Behavioural Brain Research · doi:10.1016/0166-4328(93)90140-l · Cited by 122 · see citing works
Mishima, K., Hishikawa, Y., & Okawa, M. (1998) · Chronobiology International · doi:10.3109/07420529808993200 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Sumaya, I. C., Rienzi, B. M., Deegan, J. F., & Moss, D. E. (2001) · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · doi:10.1093/gerona/56.6.m356 · Cited by 109 · see citing works
Light Treatment for Sleep Disorders: Consensus Report
Campbell, S. S., Terman, M., Lewy, A. J., Dijk, D., Eastman, C. I., & Boulos, Z. (1995) · Journal of Biological Rhythms · doi:10.1177/074873049501000207 · Cited by 108 · see citing works
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond: Light Treatment for SAD and Non-SAD Conditions
(1998) · American Psychiatric Association Publishing eBooks · doi:10.1176/appi.books.9798894550480 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Phototherapy for Patients with Alzheimer Disease with Disturbed Sleep Patterns
Colenda, C. C., Cohen, W., McCall, W. V., & Rosenquist, P. B. (1997) · Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders · doi:10.1097/00002093-199709000-00011 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
Mishima, K., Okawa, M., Satoh, K., Shimizu, T., Hozumi, S., & Hishikawa, Y. (1997) · Neurobiology of Aging · doi:10.1016/s0197-4580(96)00167-4 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
Bright light treatment for sleep–wake disturbances in aged individuals with dementia
Koyama, E., Matsubara, H., & Nakano, T. (1999) · Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences · doi:10.1046/j.1440-1819.1999.00483.x · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Effects of bright light at lunchtime on sleep in patients in a geriatric hospital II
Fukuda, N. N., Kobayashi, R., Kohsaka, M., Honma, H., Sasamoto, Y., Sakakibara, S., Koyama, E., Nakamura, F., & Koyama, T. (2001) · Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences · doi:10.1046/j.1440-1819.2001.00864.x · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Bright light therapy for demented nursing home patients with behavioral disturbance
Thorpe, L. U., Middleton, J., Russell, G., & Stewart, N. J. (2000) · American Journal of Alzheimer s Disease & Other Dementias® · doi:10.1177/153331750001500109 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Effects of bright light at lunchtime on sleep of patients in a geriatric hospital I
Kobayashi, R., Fukuda, N. N., Kohsaka, M., Sasamoto, Y., Sakakibara, S., Koyama, E., Nakamura, F., & Koyama, T. (2001) · Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences · doi:10.1046/j.1440-1819.2001.00863.x · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Effects of vitamin B12 on bright light on cognitive and sleep–wake rhythm in Alzheimer‐type dementia
Ito, T., Yamadera, H., Ito, R., Suzuki, H., Asayama, K., & Endo, S. (2001) · Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences · doi:10.1046/j.1440-1819.2001.00860.x · Cited by 36 · see citing works
The SCN is Comprised of a Population of Coupled Oscillators
Miller, J. D. (1998) · Chronobiology International · doi:10.3109/07420529808998704 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Paranoid delusions and hallucinations and bright light therapy in Alzheimer's disease
Schindler, S. D., Graf, A., Fischer, P. A., Tölk, A., & Kasper, S. F. (2002) · International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/gps.497 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia
Devanand, D. P., & LAWLOR, B. A. (2000) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Anxiety disorders in later life: a report from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam
Beekman (1998) · Pure Amsterdam UMC · doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1166(1998100)13:10 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Wills, W., Trieman, N., & Leff, J. (1998) · International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1166(199804)13:4
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Rhythms of life: circadian disruption and brain disorders across the lifespan
Logan, R. W., & McClung, C. A. (2019) · Nature Reviews Neuroscience · doi:10.1038/s41583-018-0088-y · Cited by 713 · see citing works
Chronotherapeutics (light and wake therapy) in affective disorders
WIRZ-JUSTICE, A., BENEDETTI, F., BERGER, M., LAM, R. W., MARTINY, K., TERMAN, M., & WU, J. C. (2005) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s003329170500437x · Cited by 291 · see citing works
Jeste, D. V., Meeks, T. W., Kim, D. S., & Zubenko, G. S. (2006) · Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology · doi:10.1177/0891988706291087 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
- Authors
- Skjerve, A., Bjorvatn, B., & Holsten, F.
- Affiliations
- University of Bergen (NO)
- Haukeland University Hospital (NO)
- Corresponding author
- Skjerve, Arvid
- ORCID
- Bjorvatn, Bjørn
- Venue
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2004-05-17
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 516-522
- ISSN
- 0885-6230 (ISSN-L)
- 1099-1166
- OpenAlex
- W1969174838
- Cited by
- 57
- References
- 43
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 3
- FWCI
- 0.42
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (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 › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes
- Keywords
- phototherapy, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, sleep disorders, circadian rhythm, agitation, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, treatment efficacy, treatment safety
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Dementia, Humans, Phototherapy, Sleep Wake Disorders, Social Behavior Disorders, Chronobiology Disorders
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review