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THERAPEUTIC LIGHT AND SLEEPINESS AT MEALS IN WOMEN WITH ALZHEIMER\'S DISEASE

L.A. Etcher, J.E. Davis, H. Yarandi

J Aging Res Clin Practice 2012;1(2):147-150

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of therapeutic light on excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) during meal times in females with Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated dementia. Design: The study employed a two-group experimental design with repeated measures on one of the factors. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving blue-green light (BGL) or the control group receiving dim red light (DRL). Setting: The study was conducted in a long-term care facilities where the study participants were residents. Participants: The sample consisted of 20 females mean age 85.9 (+ 6.24) with AD who were residents in a nursing home for at least six months. Intervention: Timed BGL at 12,000 lux was the experimental condition and timed DRL at 5 lux was the control condition. Light in both conditions was delivered for 30 minutes per day between 6 am - 7 am for 14 consecutive days. Measurements: EDS was measured using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale at mealtimes. Results: Reductions in EDS were' demonstrated in the experimental group post-intervention. Conclusion: Replication studies are needed to support pilot findings. Reducing EDS in AD has the potential to reduce weight loss and maintain nutrition.

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