Melatonin is a supplement most often taken as a sleep aid. Some research shows it may have benefits for people with Alzheimer’s disease, but current evidence is mixed.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by a small gland in your brain called the pineal gland. Its primary role is to manage your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. People with low melatonin may have trouble falling or staying asleep.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with abnormal bundles of protein in the brain called plaques and tangles. As it progresses, it causes problems with memory and the ability to think.
Sleep disorders seem to be common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Melatonin may help treat sleep disorders caused by Alzheimer’s disease. It may also help reduce neurological damage in the brain and improve cognitive function, although research is still ongoing.
Read on to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of melatonin in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Melatonin has emerged as a
- perform randomized control studies
- determine optimal dosage and timing
- examine potential side effects
- examine the safety of long-term use
People with Alzheimer’s often have low amounts of melatonin in their brains. It remains unclear whether melatonin deficiency is the result or cause of neurodegeneration, but lower melatonin levels are often equated with a higher degree of cognitive impairment.
Research is ongoing to see whether taking melatonin may help improve sleep disturbances or cognitive impairment.
Along with its role in controlling sleep-wake cycles, melatonin may have a
For example, it may help encourage protective processes like enhancing the clearance of protein fragments from your brain and reducing the formation of plaques and tangles.
Research examining the potential benefits of melatonin is still in the early stages and has largely been mixed. There’s some evidence to support the following benefits.
Improving sleep and wake cycles
Sleep disturbances and sleep-wake rhythm problems are typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that can precede other signs of the disease. Alzheimer’s disease has been linked to
- obstructive sleep apnea
- shortened sleep duration
- insomnia
Melatonin helps regulate your body’s sleep and wake cycles. Some research suggests that melatonin may improve sleep quality and circadian rhythm problems in people with neurodegenerative diseases. However,
Reducing sundowning symptoms
Decreased melatonin production among people with Alzheimer’s disease has been linked to the development of sundowning syndrome. Sundowning syndrome — when confusion gets worse in the late afternoon and at night — is a characteristic sign of Alzheimer’s disease,
The exact cause of sundowning syndrome isn’t known, but it’s thought to be related to disruptions in the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Strong light exposure and the administration of melatonin at certain times of of day may help improve symptoms of sundowning syndrome.
Improving cognitive performance
Low melatonin levels seem to be an early marker for Alzheimer’s disease, although it isn’t clear whether low melatonin contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease or is a complication of it.
In a 2021 review of studies, researchers found that among the 22 studies they examined, melatonin therapy for more than 12 weeks was associated with improved scores on a test measuring cognitive function in people with mild disease.
Researchers are continuing to examine the role that melatonin may play in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s thought that melatonin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
More research with large populations is needed to examine whether taking melatonin leads to lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers are continuing to examine the long-term safety of taking melatonin.
Melatonin supplementation can lead to some side effects, such as:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- strange dreams
- dry mouth
- stomach ache
Melatonin may
Melatonin is taken orally through forms like:
- gummies
- drops
- sprays
No standard dose has been established for treating Alzheimer’s disease, and doses vary between studies.
For example, in one
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms tend to develop over time. It’s important to consult a doctor if you or your loved one starts developing potential warning signs, such as:
- memory loss disrupting daily life
- challenges with planning or solving problems
- confusion with time or place
- difficulty understanding visual images
- problems with speaking or writing
- misplacing things
- changes in mood or personality
Does melatonin affect memory retention?
Some early studies suggest that melatonin may have benefits for improving memory retention, but research is in the very early stages.
For example, in a 2023 study, researchers found that melatonin was protective against the deterioration of learning and memory caused by high fructose corn syrup in adult rats.
What is the best melatonin dosage for people with dementia?
No standard dosage of melatonin for people with dementia has been established. Most studies have used large doses well above what’s typically recommended for people using melatonin as a sleep aid.
Why do doctors sometimes not recommend melatonin for people with dementia?
A potential side effect of melatonin is excessive daytime drowsiness. It’s been suggested that this could increase the risk of falls in some older adults.
Researchers are continuing to examine the potential benefits of melatonin for people with Alzheimer’s disease. There’s some evidence that it may help improve sleep quality and may improve cognitive function in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease.
Melatonin is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for treating dementia, and research is ongoing. It’s best to speak with your doctor before taking melatonin to prevent or treat any neurodegenerative diseases.
