JAMDA
Volume 13, Issue 2 , Pages 100-102, February 2012

Light Therapy for Seniors in Long Term Care

  • Michael Royer, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
    • ,
  • Noel H. Ballentine, MD, FACP

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to Noel H. Ballentine, MD, FACP, Division of General Internal Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033–0850.
    • ,
  • Paul J. Eslinger, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
    • ,
  • Kevin Houser, PhD, PE, LC, LEED AP

      Affiliations

    • Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
    • ,
  • Richard Mistrick, PhD, PE

      Affiliations

    • Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
    • ,
  • Richard Behr, PhD, PE

      Affiliations

    • Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
    • ,
  • Kirk Rakos, MEd/CTRS

      Affiliations

    • Masonic Villages, Elizabethtown, PA

published online 17 June 2011.

Abstract 

Objectives

To investigate the effects of light therapy on cognition, depression, sleep, and circadian rhythms in a general, nonselected population of seniors living in a long term care facility.

Design

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

The experiment took place at a long term care facility in Pennsylvania.

Participants

Study participants (15 treatment, 13 placebo) were residents receiving either personal care or skilled nursing care.

Intervention

Treatment consisted of approximately 400 lux of blue light administered for 30 minutes per day, Monday through Friday, for 4 weeks. The placebo was approximately 75 lux of red light generated from the same device.

Measurements

Behavioral assessments were made using the MicroCog Assessment of Cognitive Functioning, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Profile of Mood States. Daytime sleepiness was evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Results

Three of the 4 composite scores from the MicroCog as well as the mean Tension/Anxiety score from the Profile of Mood States showed a significant treatment versus placebo effect.

Conclusion

Blue light treatment led to significant cognitive improvements compared with placebo red light and may be a promising environmental intervention to reduce cognitive symptoms in elderly, long-term care residents.

Keywords: Light therapy, blue light, seniors, long term care, cognition, depression, insomnia, light emitting diode (LED)

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 This project was funded by the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute at Penn State University.

PII: S1525-8610(11)00195-2

doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2011.05.006

JAMDA
Volume 13, Issue 2 , Pages 100-102, February 2012

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