Panacea Index Logo

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

Melatonin based therapies for delirium and dementia.

Discovery medicine
May 1, 2016
Kannayiram Alagiakrishnan
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of melatonin and its analogs in managing geriatric psychiatric diseases like delirium and dementia, focusing on their safety, efficacy, and neuroprotective effects.

Results Summary

The study found that melatonin and its analogs may help prevent and treat delirium and manage dementia, with fewer side effects and a better safety profile compared to antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. Evidence from animal and human studies suggests low melatonin levels are linked to cognitive impairments and behavioral problems.

Population

Geriatric patients with psychiatric diseases such as delirium and dementia.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (11)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Melatonin and its analogs
increase
multiple pleiotropic effects
-
-
has been shown to have multiple pleiotropic effects
#1
Melatonin and its analogs
increase
sleep promotion
-
-
has been shown to have effect on
#2
Melatonin
increase
neuroprotection
-
-
can also help with
#3
low levels of melatonin
increase
delirium
-
-
have been linked to
#4
low levels of melatonin
increase
mild cognitive impairment
-
-
have been linked to
#5
low levels of melatonin
increase
dementia
-
-
have been linked to
#6
low levels of melatonin
increase
certain behavioral problems
-
-
have been linked to
#7
melatonin and its analogs
decrease
delirium
-
-
may be useful in the prevention, treatment of
#8
melatonin and its analogs
decrease
dementia
-
-
may be useful in the management of
#9
These medications
decrease
less side effects
-
-
seem to have the advantage of
#10
These medications
increase
better safety profile
-
-
seem to have the advantage of
#11
Abstract

Melatonin levels have been shown to decline with aging. Melatonin and its analogs in addition to their effect on sleep promotion, has been shown to have multiple pleiotropic effects. It can also help with neuroprotection through different mechanisms. Evidence in animal and human studies suggests that low levels of melatonin have been linked to delirium, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and with certain behavioral problems. Recent clinical trials have showed that both melatonin and its analogs may be useful in the prevention, treatment of delirium, and the management of dementia. These medications seem to have the advantage of less side effects and better safety profile when compared to antipsychotics and sedatives like benzodiazepines. These medications are available over the counter in North America, Europe, and Asia, and some of these medications are approved by FDA. This manuscript will discuss the promising role of these melatonergic medications alone or in combination with other medications for the management of Geriatric Psychiatric diseases like delirium and dementia.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AgedAnimalsAntipsychotic AgentsBenzodiazepinesChronobiology PhenomenaClinical Trials as TopicDeliriumDementiaDrug Therapy, CombinationGalantamineHumansIndenesMelatoninMemantineNeuroprotectionPractice Guidelines as Topic
Study Links
PubMed ID27355332
Quality Scores
Safety85
Efficacy75/10
Quality70/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations12
Citations/Year1.3
Relative Citation Ratio0.55
NIH Percentile30%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score0.83
Normalized Score0.78
Related Supplements
Melatonin based therapies for delirium and dementia. | Panacea Index