Light therapy for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia

To review literature concerning the efficacy, clinical practicability and safety of light treatment for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Data collection included computer literature searches (MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Cochrane) and checks of references, covering the period of January 1980-September 2003. Trials were searched for evidence for treatment efficacy and for their consideration of the treatment's clinical practicability and evidence of adverse effects.

Results from randomised controlled trials (RCT) indicated some evidence of improvement in aspects of sleep disturbances and circadian activity rhythmicity. One RCT study indicated better response in patients with vascular dementia compared to Alzheimer's disease. By and large, non-RCT studies reported improvement in BPSD including sleep disturbances, agitation and activity rhythm disturbances. Few studies commented on the treatment's practicability and safety.

Although there is some evidence for influence of light therapy on sleep and circadian activity rhythmicity, it is not possible to draw any conclusion about efficacy of light therapy for BPSD, or about practicability in clinical settings and safety. There are still too few well designed studies. Suggestions for further research are presented.