Effects of melatonin in two individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract

Dementia has been associated with circadian rhythm disturbances expressed in several dimensions including body temperature, hormonal concentrations, sleep and wakefulness patterns, and rest-activity cycles. These disturbances may be the result of a dampening in the amplitude of the circadian rhythm. One of the symptoms associated with the aging process has been a decline in the amplitude of the melatonin rhythm. Here, the results of melatonin administration to two patients with Alzheimer's disease are presented. Melatonin administration enhanced and stabilized the circadian rest-activity rhythm in one of the patients along with some reduction of daytime sleepiness and an improvement in mood. The other patient, who was characterized by less cognitive impairment, showed no significant changes associated with melatonin ingestion. Interestingly, the acrophase of rest-activity was delayed for about one hour in both patients. These results suggest that melatonin may have beneficial effects in some patients with Alzheimer's disease.

• Authors: G Jean-Louis, F Zizi, H von Gizycki, H Taub
• Journal: Perceptual and motor skills (Percept Mot Skills) Vol. 87 Issue 1 Pg. 331-9 (Aug 1998) ISSN: 0031-5125 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9760668 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Melatonin

Topics

• Affect (drug effects, physiology)
• Aged
• Alzheimer Disease (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Circadian Rhythm (drug effects, physiology)
• Cognition (drug effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Melatonin (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Motor Activity (drug effects)
• Neuropsychological Tests
• Rest (physiology)
• Sleep (drug effects, physiology)
• Wakefulness (drug effects, physiology)