Cited by 57Dementia and Cognitive Impairment ResearchCircadian rhythm and melatoninGeriatric Care and Nursing Homes

Light therapy for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia

Skjerve, Arvid, Bjorvatn, Bjørn, Holsten, Fred·2004·International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

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.

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Crossref · 10.1002/gps.1087

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  • 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”

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Authors
Skjerve, A., Bjorvatn, B., & Holsten, F.
Affiliations
  • University of Bergen (NO)
  • Haukeland University Hospital (NO)
Corresponding author
Skjerve, Arvid
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

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