Meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of melatonin in Alzheimer's disease

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#alzheimer-disease #double-blind-method #humans #melatonin #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of melatonin in Alzheimer's disease

Wang et al., 2017 | Int J Geriatr Psychiatry | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wang Yuan-Yuan, Zheng Wei, ... Xiang Yu-Tao. Meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of melatonin in Alzheimer's disease. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2017-Jan;32(1):50-57. doi:10.1002/gps.4571

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the efficacy of melatonin in Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Both English (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register) and Chinese (WanFang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database, and China Journal Net) databases were systematically and independently searched by two authors from their inception until 1 March 2016. Weighted and standard mean differences (SMDs), risk ratio (RR) ±95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. In all cases, the random effects model was used. RESULTS: Seven studies (n = 462) with the duration ranging from 10 days to 24 weeks were identified and analyzed. AD patients receiving melatonin treatment showed prolonged total sleep time at night (n = 305; SMD: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.51, I2  = 9%, p = 0.04). Melatonin did not improve cognitive abilities assessed by the mini-mental state examination and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Cognitive Subscale. The discontinuation rate was similar between the melatonin and placebo groups (n = 453, RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.16, I2  = 0%, p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: Melatonin appears to be effective and safe in improving sleep quality in patients with AD. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Findings

Seven studies (n = 462) with the duration ranging from 10 days to 24 weeks were identified and analyzed. AD patients receiving melatonin treatment showed prolonged total sleep time at night (n = 305; SMD: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.51, I2  = 9%, p = 0.04). Melatonin did not improve cognitive abilities assessed by the mini-mental state examination and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Cognitive Subscale. The discontinuation rate was similar between the melatonin and placebo groups (n = 453, RR = 0.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality

Population

Field Value
Population ad
Sample Size 462
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Melatonin
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sleep

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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