| The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of melatonin on sleep and cognition of cognitively impaired patients. The results of this study favor the use of melation to ameliorate sleep/wake disturbances and possible enhance cognitive abilities in the elderly. Although there is not yet a clear evidence that the level of melation in these participants was, in fact, elevated by exogenous melatonin, specific improvement is sleep/wake parameters indicates a possible link. In addition, melatonin enhanced the amplitude of the rest-activity rhythm and stabilized the period length of the rhythm. These observations relate directly to a positive and significant effect of melatonin on both cognitive and noncognitive abilities. The ability to remember previously learned items improved along with a significant reduction of observed depressed moods. This approach to understanding the role of melatonin in the elderly is strongly supported by the available data and suggests that a longer treatment regimen may yield better results regarding cognitive abilities. Better results could also be obtained in a sample of more severe demented patients. Interestingly, these results indicate no detrimental effects associated with chronic administration of a pharmacological dose of melatonin. Additionally, no side effects or contraindications were reported by any of the participants during the trials for a period of ten days. The data obtained in this investigation are important from a chronobiological point of view. They offer support for a different experimental approach to studying changes that occur in aging individuals by placing them within the framework of circadian rhythm disorganization. They also propose a mechanism whereby some of these changes can be addressed with minimal intrusion into the life of the elderly. |
