The findings add further evidence of the effectiveness of morning bright light exposure in the treatment of disturbed sleep among demented nursing home patients.

Ten elderly subjects with severe dementia were given bright light (5000-8000 lux) for 45 min each morning for 4 weeks. Two rating scales of behavioral symptoms in dementia were used as outcome measures: Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and Behavior Pathology In Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD), a scale for sleep-wake disturbances, and actigraphy to monitor activity rhythm. Behavioral symptoms improved with treatment. No changes in sleepwake measures were found. There was an advance of the activity rhythm acrophase during treatment. These results suggest that short-time bright light improves behavioral symptoms and aspects of activity rhythm disturbances even in severely demented subjects.

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.

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The results of this study indicate that the motivation of participants to complete testing was high. Improvements in memory and attention were evident in rehabilitation participants indicating that rehabilitation may have an effect on cognitive functions.