The use of light therapy to lower agitation in people with dementia

Nurs Times. 2004 Nov;100(45):32-4.

Abstract

Agitation and sleep disturbance are problematic for people with dementia and their carers, and have been linked to disrupted circadian rhythms caused by a lack of exposure to light. Bright light therapy (BLT) offers a powerful and cost-effective alternative to pharmacological options, and can be easily incorporated into care routines. This article describes practical issues faced when implementing light therapy in a nursing home setting, and attempts to address existing perceptions about its effectiveness.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dementia / complications*
  • Humans
  • Nursing Homes
  • Phototherapy*
  • Psychomotor Agitation / therapy*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / complications
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / therapy