Unleashing light's healing power: an overview of photobiomodulation for Alzheimer's treatment

Aim: Photobiomodulation involves the use of low-level light therapy or near-infrared light therapy found to be useful in the treatment of a wide range of neurological diseases. Objective: The aim is to review the mechanism and clinical applications of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in managing Alzheimer's disease. Methods: To ensure that the consensus statement accurately reflects both the experts' viewpoint and the most recent developments in the field, the expert opinions were recorded and thoroughly reviewed. Results: PBMT elicits reduction of beta-amyloid plaque, restoration of mitochondrial function, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with a stimulation in ATP synthesis. Conclusion: The PBMT could be helpful in patients non-responsive to traditional pharmacological therapy providing significant aid in the management of Alzheimer's disease when introduced into the medical field.

Non-pharmacological treatments for sleep disturbance in mild cognitive impairment and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

No disease-modifying treatments for dementia are available. Sleep disturbance is strongly associated with cognitive impairment. Non-pharmacological treatments targeting sleep may offer an alternative therapeutic approach. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane library for non-pharmacological treatments for sleep disturbance in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, published in English from October 1965 to 2018, including all designs, excluding studies of drug therapies. In all, 53 papers representing 48 studies were included. Participant age ranged from 67.3 to 89.4 years. Most studies (79%) had small samples (<50 participants, range 1-173) and were conducted in long-term/residential care (62%). The majority (85%) recruited participants with moderate-severe dementia; mean MMSE scores ranged from 0 to 28.3/30. Four studies examined MCI. Light therapy delivered over 1-10 weeks was the most studied stand-alone intervention (n = 27), and the majority (81.5%) of these studies found improvements on objective or subjective sleep measures, though the evidence was inconclusive with significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Seven multi-modal intervention studies were identified, all incorporating light exposure, and six of these reported improved sleep. Other interventions included electrotherapy stimulation (n = 4), physical exercises/activities (n = 4), acupressure/acupuncture (n = 3) and mindfulness/cognitive behavioural therapy (n = 3). Those examining MCI utilised different mono-modal approaches. A meta-analysis of data from randomised controlled trials showed a statistically significant (mean difference = 3.44, 95% CI: 0.89-5.99, I²=0%; p = 0.008) improvement in sleep efficiency between interventions and controls, favouring the pooled interventions (bright light, multi-domain and other therapies). No other significant differences in sleep or non-sleep outcomes were found. While evidence is available for non-pharmacological sleep interventions, particularly multi-domain approaches, studies were diverse and had small samples. More research examining multi-modal interventions, community-dwellers and those with MCI is required.

Empirical studies on the effectiveness of assistive technology in the care of people with dementia: a systematic review

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the empirical support for the use of assistive technology in the care of people with dementia as an intervention to improve independence, safety, communication, wellbeing and carer support.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 232 papers were identified as potentially relevant. Inclusion criteria were: studies published between 1995 and 2011, incorporated a control group, pre-test-post-test, cross sectional or survey design, type of interventions and types of participants. The 41 papers that met criteria were subjected to an assessment of their validity using the model provided by Forbes. Following the assessment seven papers were considered as strong, ten moderate and 24 weak. The review is presented around the following topics: independence, prompts and reminders; safety and security; leisure and lifestyle, communication and telehealth; and therapeutic interventions.

Findings

– The literature exploring the use of assistive technologies for increasing independence and compensating for memory problems illustrate the problems of moving from the laboratory to real life. The studies are usually limited by very small samples, high drop-out rates, very basic statistical analyses and lack of adjustment for multiple comparisons and poor performance of the technology itself.

Originality/value

– Research to date has been unable to establish a positive difference to the lives of people with dementia by the general use of the assistive technology reviewed here.

Light therapy for improving cognition, activities of daily living, sleep, challenging behaviour, and psychiatric disturbances in dementia

BACKGROUND

Rest-activity and sleep-wake cycles are controlled by the endogenous circadian rhythm generated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Degenerative changes in the SCN appear to be a biological basis for circadian disturbances in people with dementia, and might be reversed by stimulation of the SCN by light.

OBJECTIVES

The review examines the effectiveness of light therapy in improving cognition, activities of daily living (ADLs), sleep, challenging behaviour, and psychiatric symptoms associated with dementia.

SEARCH METHODS

ALOIS, the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group (CDCIG), The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and LILACS were searched on 20 January 2014 using the terms: "bright light*", "light box*", "light visor*", "dawn-dusk*", phototherapy, "photo therapy", "light therapy" "light treatment", light* . The CDCIG Specialized Register contains records from all major healthcare databases (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS) as well as from many trials databases and grey literature sources.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All relevant, randomized controlled trials were included in which light therapy, at any intensity and duration, was compared with a control group for the effect of improving cognition, ADLs, sleep, challenging behaviour, and psychiatric symptoms associated with dementia (as well as institutionalization rates or cost of care). Included were people with dementia of any type and degree of severity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the retrieved articles for relevance, and four review authors independently assessed the selected studies for risk of bias and extracted the data. Statistically significant differences in outcomes between the treatment and control groups at the end of treatment and follow-up were examined. Each study was summarized using a measure of effect (for example mean difference).

MAIN RESULTS

Eleven trials (13 articles) met the inclusion criteria. However, three of the studies could not be included in the analyses either because the reported data could not be used in the meta-analysis or we were unable to retrieve the required data from the authors.This updated review found no effect of light therapy on cognitive function, sleep, challenging behaviour (for example agitation), or psychiatric symptoms associated with dementia. Reduction in the development of ADL limitations was reported in one study, at three of five time points, and light therapy was found to have an effect after six weeks and two years but not after one year.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to justify the use of bright light therapy in dementia. Further research should concentrate on replicating the suggested effect on ADLs, and establishing the biological mechanism for how light therapy improves these important outcomes.

Light therapy for managing cognitive, sleep, functional, behavioural, or psychiatric disturbances in dementia

BACKGROUND

Rest-activity and sleep-wake cycles are controlled by the endogenous circadian rhythm generated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Degenerative changes in the SCN appear to be a biological basis for circadian disturbances in people with dementia, and might be reversed by stimulation of the SCN by light.

OBJECTIVES

The review assesses the evidence of effectiveness of light therapy in managing cognitive, sleep, functional, behavioural, or psychiatric disturbances associated with dementia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group (CDCIG), The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and LILACS were searched on 4 March 2008 using the terms: "bright light*", "light box*", "light visor*", "dawn-dusk*", phototherapy, "photo therapy", "light therapy" "light treatment", light* . The CDCIG Specialized Register contains records from all major health care databases (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS) as well as from many trials databases and grey literature sources.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All relevant, randomized clinical trials in which light therapy, at any intensity and duration, was compared with a control group for the effect on managing cognition, sleep, function, behavioural, or psychiatric disturbances (as well as changes in institutionalization rates or cost of care) in people with dementia of any type and degree of severity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three reviewers independently assessed the retrieved articles for relevance and methodological quality, and extracted data from the selected studies. Statistically significant differences in outcomes between the treatment and control groups at end of treatment and follow-up were examined. Each study was summarized using a measure of effect (e.g. mean difference).

MAIN RESULTS

Eight trials met the inclusion criteria. However, three of the studies could not be included in the analyses because of inappropriate reported study analyses or inability to retrieve the required data from the investigators. This review revealed no adequate evidence of the effectiveness of light therapy in managing cognition, sleep, function, behaviour, or psychiatric disturbances associated with dementia.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to assess the value of light therapy for people with dementia. Most of the available studies are not of high methodological quality and further research is required.

Effectiveness of sleep management strategies for residents of aged care facilities: findings of a systematic review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this systematic review were to determine the most effective tools for the assessment and diagnosis of sleep problems, as well as identify the most effective strategies for the promotion of sleep within this population.

BACKGROUND

Experiencing reduced sleep quality is often associated with normal ageing, however this may be exacerbated for residents of aged care facilities. External factors such as noise, light and night-time nursing may impact negatively upon sleeping patterns.

METHODS

Eleven electronic databases and the reference lists and bibliographies of included studies were searched. Papers were grouped according to type of intervention or assessment tool and presented in a narrative summary.

CONCLUSIONS

The review identified many interventions to promote sleep. Multidisciplinary strategies such as combining a reduction in environmental noise, reduction of night-time nursing care and promotion of daytime activity, are likely to be most effective for promoting sleep in the population of interest. The use of sedating medications is cautioned, as their long-term efficacy in promoting sleep is questionable. Wrist actigraphy was found to be the most accurate objective sleep assessment tool.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Lack of sleep, disturbed sleep and the overuse of medications especially sedations reduce the quality of life for older people. Effective, safe sleep interventions should be promoted and practised by nurses.

Effectiveness of strategies to manage sleep in residents of aged care facilities

BACKGROUND

The promotion of sleep in older adults is a significant issue in high-level residential aged care facilities, with as many as 67% of residents experiencing disruptions to their sleep patterns. Not only do health concerns such as cognitive impairment, pain and incontinence impact upon this population's sleep quality and quantity, but environmental factors including noise, light and night-time nursing care also affect sleep of those residing in institutions. In order to address the issue of sleep disruption, assessment and diagnosis of sleep problems and implementation of interventions that are effective in promoting sleep are essential.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to determine the most effective tools for the assessment and diagnosis of sleep in older adults in high-level aged care. The review also sought to determine the most effective strategies for the promotion of sleep in this population. Outcome measures for this review were: indicators of improved sleep quality and quantity, including an improvement in daytime functioning and improved night-time sleep; reduction in use of hypnotics and sedatives; and increased satisfaction with sleep.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A literature search was performed using the following databases for the years 1993-2003: AgeLine, APAIS Health, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Current Contents, Dissertation Abstracts International, Embase, Medline, Proquest, PsycInfo, Science Citations Index. A second search stage was conducted through review of reference lists of studies retrieved during the first search stage. The search was limited to published and unpublished material in English language.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The review was limited to papers addressing sleep diagnosis, assessment and/or management in adults aged 65 or over who were residing in high-level aged care. The review included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and, due to the limited number of RCTs available, non-RCTs, cohort and case control studies and qualitative research were also considered for inclusion. Research was included if it addressed the assessment, diagnosis or management of sleep using outcome measure of improved night-time sleep or daytime function, improvements in resident satisfaction with sleep or reduction in medication use associated with sleep. The types of interventions considered by this review were alternative therapies including massage, aromatherapy and medicinal herbs; behavioural or cognitive interventions; biochemical interventions; environmental interventions; pharmacological interventions and related nocturnal interventions such as continence care. Instruments and strategies to diagnose and assess the sleep of older high-level care residents, including objective and subjective assessment tools, were considered by this review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

All retrieved papers were critically appraised for eligibility for inclusion and methodological quality independently by two reviewers, and the same reviewers collected details of eligible research. Papers were grouped according to the type of intervention or type of assessment tool used and findings were presented in a narrative summary.

FINDINGS

Wrist actigraphy was found to be the most accurate objective sleep assessment tool for use in the population of interest, and issues surrounding its use are presented. Although no subjective sleep assessment tools were identified in this review, the evidence suggested that subjective reports of sleep quality are an important consideration in sleep assessment. Evidence suggested that behavioural observations may be an effective assessment strategy when conducted on a frequent basis. The review found no evidence on the effectiveness of any assessment tools for the diagnosis of specific sleep problems in older adults. The use of multidisciplinary strategies including reduction of environmental noise, reduction of night-time nursing care that disrupts sleep and daytime activity is likely to be the most effective strategy for the promotion of sleep in older high-level care residents. The use of sedating medications did not appear to have a substantial effect in promoting sleep, and health practitioners in high-level aged care should consider their use cautiously.

Light therapy for managing sleep, behaviour, and mood disturbances in dementia

BACKGROUND

Rest-activity and sleep-wake cycles are controlled by the endogenous circadian rhythm generated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Degenerative changes in the SCN appear to be a biological basis for circadian disturbances in people with dementia, and might be reversed by stimulation of the SCN by light.

OBJECTIVES

The review assesses the efficacy of bright light therapy (BLT) in managing sleep, behaviour, mood, and cognitive disturbances associated with dementia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The trials were identified from a search of the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group on 27 January 2004 using the terms "bright light*", "light box*", "light visor*", "dawn-dusk*", phototherapy (MESH), phototherapy, "photo therapy", "light therapy" "light treatment", light*.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All relevant, randomized controlled trials in which BLT, at any intensity and duration, was compared with a control group for the effect on managing sleep, behavioural, mood, and cognitive disturbances (as well as changes in institutionalization rates and cost of care) on people with dementia of any degree of severity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three reviewers independently assessed the retrieved articles for relevance, methodological quality, and extracted data from the selected studies. The statistically significant differences in changes in outcomes from baseline to end of treatment and from baseline to follow-up between the light therapy and control groups were examined. Each study was summarized using a measure of effect (e.g. mean difference). Owing to lack of homogeneity between studies, their results were not combined.

MAIN RESULTS

Five studies met the inclusion criteria. However, only three were included in the analyses because of inappropriate analyses reported or inability to retrieve the required data from the investigators. This review revealed no adequate evidence of the effectiveness of BLT in managing sleep, behaviour, and mood disturbances associated with dementia.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to assess the value of BLT for people with dementia. The available studies are of poor quality and further research is required.