Melatonin deficiency hypothesis in delirium: a synthesis of current evidence.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the therapeutic benefit of melatonin in treating circadian rhythm disorders related to delirium and dementia, including reviewing placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials.
Results Summary
The review suggests melatonin may help address circadian rhythm disorders in delirium and dementia, with evidence from placebo-controlled trials supporting its therapeutic potential. However, specific efficacy details are not provided in the abstract.
Population
Patients with acute confusional state or delirium, particularly those with underlying cognitive impairment.
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not available
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin | neutral | circadian sleep-wake rhythm | many mammals, including humans | - | plays a major role | #1 |
- | neutral | sleep disturbances and disturbed circadian rhythm | Patients with acute confusional state or delirium, especially those with underlying cognitive impairment | - | frequently suffer from | #2 |
- | neutral | symptoms in dementia, such as sundowning | delirium and delirium symptoms | - | correspond with | #3 |
- | neutral | circadian rhythm disorders in delirium | - | - | in relation to | #4 |
melatonin treatment | neutral | disorders related to delirium and dementia | - | - | examines the therapeutic benefit | #5 |
The pineal hormone melatonin plays a major role in circadian sleep-wake rhythm in many mammals, including humans. Patients with acute confusional state or delirium, especially those with underlying cognitive impairment, frequently suffer from sleep disturbances and disturbed circadian rhythm. In this review, an overview is given of delirium and delirium symptoms that correspond with symptoms in dementia, such as sundowning, followed by a presentation of the circadian rhythm disorders in delirium in relation to melatonin deficiency. Finally, this review examines the therapeutic benefit of melatonin treatment in disorders related to delirium and dementia, including the placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials addressing this topic.