[Effects of bright light on cognitive disturbances in Alzheimer-type dementia]

We investigated the effectiveness of bright light therapy on cognitive disturbances and its effect on circadian (sleep-wake) rhythm in Alzheimer-type dementia (ATD). Twenty-seven patients with ATD were treated with bright light therapy in the morning for 4 consecutive weeks. We evaluated the cognitive functions and circadian rhythms of the patients as a whale, and as members of two groups (one: questionable and mild dementia: the other: moderate and severe dementia; both groups classified by the severity criteria of Clinical Dementia Rating). We assessed circadian rhythms by actigraphy and cognitive states by Mini-Mental-State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) before and after light therapy. Bright light therapy improved circadian rhythm. Although bright light therapy had no Significant effect on the Severity of dementia, it improved the MMSE scores, cognitive functions of ADAS scores (memory > language) and non-cognitive functions of ADAS scores (behavior = mood), especially in the questionable and mild dementia group. These results suggest that bright light therapy improves cognitive functions with the modification of circadian rhythm, especially in the early stages of ATD.