Melatonin for cognitive impairment

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#antioxidants #cognition-disorders #dementia #humans #melatonin

Melatonin for cognitive impairment

Jansen et al., 2006 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Jansen S L, Forbes D A, ... Morgan D G. Melatonin for cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006-Jan-25;2006(1):CD003802

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There are a number of studies that suggest a relationship between decline of melatonin function and the symptoms of dementia. OBJECTIVES: The review assessed the evidence of clinical efficacy and safety of melatonin in the treatment of manifestations of dementia or cognitive impairment (CI). SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialized Register was searched for trials involving melatonin on 5 October 2005. The search terms used were MELATONIN, and N-ACETYL-5-METHOXYTRYPTAMINE. This Register contains records from all major health care databases as well as many ongoing trials databases and is updated regularly. SELECTION CRITERIA: All relevant, randomized controlled trials in which orally administered melatonin in any dosage was compared with a control group for the effect on managing cognitive, behavioural (excluding sleep), and/or affective disturbances of people with dementia of any degree of severity. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two to three reviewers independently assessed the retrieved articles for relevance and methodological quality, and extracted data from the selected studies. Statistically significant differences in changes in outcomes from baseline to end of treatment between the melatonin and control groups were examined. Each study was summarized using a measure of effect (e.g. mean difference) and meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate. MAIN RESULTS: Three studies met the inclusion criteria. This review revealed non-significant effects from the pooled estimates of MMSE cognitive, and ADAS-cognitive change scores. Individual study estimates for treatment effect demonstrated a significant improvement for melatonin compared with placebo in behavioural and affective symptoms as measured by the ADAS non-cognitive scale in a study of 20 patients, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) following treatment with 2.5 mg/day (SR) melatonin, but not with 10mg/day (IR) melatonin in a larger study of 157 patients. The remainder of the treatment effects for affect, behaviour and activities of daily living were non-significant. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of melatonin in managing the cognitive and non-cognitive sequelae of dementia.

Key Findings

Three studies met the inclusion criteria. This review revealed non-significant effects from the pooled estimates of MMSE cognitive, and ADAS-cognitive change scores. Individual study estimates for treatment effect demonstrated a significant improvement for melatonin compared with placebo in behavioural and affective symptoms as measured by the ADAS non-cognitive scale in a study of 20 patients, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) following treatment with 2.5 mg/day (SR) melatonin, but not w

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 20
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Cognition Disorders
  • Dementia
  • Humans
  • Melatonin
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

  • PMID: 16437462
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: PMC9017067
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09