Melatonin for sleep disorders and cognition in dementia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of melatonin therapy for improving sleep disturbances and cognitive function in patients with dementia.
Results Summary
Melatonin therapy prolonged total sleep time by 24.36 minutes and marginally improved sleep efficacy, particularly with interventions lasting more than 4 weeks, but did not significantly impact cognitive function. No severe adverse events were reported.
Population
Patients with dementia experiencing sleep disturbances.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
More than 4 weeks for stronger effects
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin therapy | increase | total sleep time (TST) | patients with dementia | 24.36 minutes | prolonged | #1 |
melatonin therapy | increase | sleep efficacy (SE) | patients with dementia | - | marginally improved | #2 |
melatonin therapy | no change | cognitive function | patients with dementia | - | did not change significantly | #3 |
melatonin therapy | no change | severe adverse events | patients with dementia | - | no report of | #4 |
The current review aims to examine melatonin therapy for both sleep disturbances and cognitive function in dementia. We searched all randomized controlled trials published in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group’s Specialized Register, and Clinical Trials.gov. The grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation framework was used to assess the quality of evidence. Seven studies were included (n = 520). Treated participants showed prolonged total sleep time (TST) by 24.36 minutes (P = .02). Sleep efficacy (SE) was marginally improved (P = .07). This effect was stronger under a longer intervention period lasting more than 4 weeks (P = .02). Conversely, cognitive function did not change significantly. Additionally, there was no report of severe adverse events. Given the current studies, we conclude that melatonin therapy may be effective in improving SE and prolonging TST in patients with dementia; however, there is no evidence that this improvement impacts cognitive function.